Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait Boost Crude Oil Supplies to India as Refiners Shift from Russian Imports

📷REUTERS

RIYADH, November 11, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – Middle Eastern oil producers Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Kuwait are set to increase crude oil supplies to India in December as Indian refiners seek alternatives to Russian barrels, sources at four Indian refining companies said on Tuesday.

The rise in demand for Middle Eastern crude follows a reduction in Russian imports by Indian refiners amid tightening Western sanctions, allowing OPEC producers to reclaim a larger share of the market in the world’s third-largest oil consumer and importer.

Last month, Britain, the European Union, and the United States imposed new sanctions on Russian oil producers Rosneft and Lukoil, triggering immediate trade disruptions as concerns over penalties deterred buyers in India and China.

According to the sources, Indian refiners have received full allocations of oil from the two largest OPEC producers, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, consistent with their requests. At least one refiner reported an increase in monthly supplies from Iraq compared with the previous month, while Saudi Aramco has also raised deliveries to another Indian refiner.

Saudi Aramco declined to comment, while Iraq’s state oil marketer SOMO did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Two other sources said that Kuwait Petroleum is also boosting supplies to Indian refiners in both November and December. “Middle Eastern suppliers are flush with oil and are providing greater access to meet increased demand,” one refining source noted.

Indian refiners are stepping up purchases after both Saudi Aramco and SOMO lowered their official selling prices, enhancing the competitiveness of Middle Eastern crude.

Since the latest round of sanctions, Indian refiners have increased spot market purchases from the Middle East, Iraq, and the United States, diversifying supply sources amid evolving global trade dynamics.