{
  "id": 7784743,
  "title": "Why India's oil bill could get heavier",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/16/why-indias-oil-bill-could-get-heavier",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-16T12:09:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Economic Times",
    "slug": "the-economic-times",
    "url": "https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/russia-squeezed-saudi-route-hit-china-circles-why-indias-oil-bill-could-get-heavier/articleshow/134287455.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "India's oil expenses may increase due to multiple emerging pressures, according to a Times of India report. While India has thus far avoided a significant crude supply shock from the US-Iran conflict, disruptions to Saudi Arabian export infrastructure, limitations on Russian crude shipments, and potential Chinese competition for Russian barrels pose new challenges.The report highlights that India imports around 90% of its crude requirements, making immediate oil supply concerns less likely. However, the primary risk lies in the escalating costs India will have to bear for this oil. According to experts quoted by the Times of India, Russian crude remains the most economical option for Indian refiners, but attacks and logistical issues are hampering Russia's export capabilities. Additionally, Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline has been shut down following drone attacks, further complicating India's oil sourcing options.China, already the world's largest importer of Russian crude, could potentially compete more aggressively for Russian barrels once its refineries resume operations and Iranian crude supplies remain restricted, the report adds. This could lead to narrow Russian discounts, higher freight and insurance costs, and increased competition for alternative supplies among Indian refiners.Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline closure could remove up to 4 million barrels per day, or about 4% of global supply, from the market if the pipeline remains shut following drone attacks. Although India may manage an immediate disruption using its existing inventories, a prolonged shutdown could limit its options for rerouting supplies, potentially forcing it to seek replacement grades at higher prices and freight costs. Consequently, the importance of Russia as a pillar of India's crude strategy grows even more significant.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}