{
  "id": 9086512,
  "title": "India’s oil buyers may cut Russia cargoes as US risk rises",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/indias-oil-buyers-may-cut-russia-cargoes-as-us-risk-rises",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-09-22T04:47:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindu BusinessLine",
    "slug": "hindu-businessline",
    "url": "https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/markets/commodities/indias-oil-buyers-may-cut-russia-cargoes-as-us-risk-rises/article71494160.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Indian refiners may reduce crude purchases from Russia amid heightened US risk due to a recent sanctions bill. The world's third-largest crude buyer historically sourced over half of its imports from Russia, seeking to offset high prices and ongoing disruptions in West Asian flows. However, key processors are now exploring alternative cargoes, according to sources not authorized to speak publicly. New Delhi is contemplating limiting Russian crude imports to 20-30% of its total to distance itself from being the primary buyer, while negotiations with the US persist. The US legislation permits President Trump to impose tariffs on nations buying Russian crude, a list that now includes India, which had previously faced similar levies last year but saw them lifted. These imports have already declined to around 1.9 million barrels per day in September, marking the lowest level since April. Russian Urals delivered to India cost approximately $133 per barrel at the end of last week, whereas West Asian grades, such as Oman and Murban, were priced higher. With global crude markets strained due to reduced Persian Gulf exports, India faces challenges in replacing Russian cargoes. November's Russian crude buying cycle coincides with heightened uncertainty. Discussions on Russian crude for the November delivery should commence in the final week of this month. India will monitor whether Washington applies the measures universally to major Russian energy buyers, including China. The law permits the Trump administration to impose tariffs within 30 days on goods from significant Russian energy consumers, with rates potentially reaching 100%, depending on the government's decision. India has historically adjusted its Russian oil purchases annually, as Washington has alternately tightened or eased pressure on the trade. Despite this, New Delhi has maintained that its purchasing decisions are primarily driven by the need to provide affordable energy for its 1.4 billion citizens.",
  "summary": "India bought more than half of its imports from Russia in some recent months, in an effort to counter high prices and continued disruption in flows from West Asia",
  "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."
}