India's Saudi Oil Imports Reach 6-Year High

Indian refiners are poised to import the highest volumes of Saudi crude oil in more than six years this month, as shipments from the kingdom reach between 1 million and 1.1 million barrels per day, according to tracking data from Kpler. This surge narrows the gap with Russian supplies, which stand at around 1.2 million barrels per day, amid ongoing pressure from the United States for New Delhi to curb purchases from Moscow. The developments, tracked in February 2026, reflect shifting global oil trade patterns following a recent US-India trade agreement.

The increase in Saudi exports marks the strongest flows to India since November 2019, bringing them broadly in line with Russia's current deliveries, Kpler lead research analyst Sumit Ritolia said. Russian shipments, while still making Moscow India's largest supplier this month, have declined from peaks exceeding 2 million barrels per day in recent years. Analysts forecast further easing to between 800,000 and 1 million barrels per day in March, potentially allowing Saudi Arabia to reclaim the top position if Indian buyers continue substituting with Middle Eastern grades.

The pullback from Russian crude stems from a trade deal...