Can India Really Stop Buying Oil From Russia? Experts Weigh In on Energy, Politics and the Price Tag

India’s Energy Puzzle: A Defining Moment

India currently imports more than 80% of its oil needs, making crude purchases central to economic stability and inflation control. With geopolitics heating up, India’s significant purchase of Russian oil—often at steep discounts—has sparked debate worldwide.

Why the Question Matters Today

Following the Ukraine conflict and Western sanctions on Russia, global attention has turned to who continues to buy Russian crude. India’s surge in Russian oil imports has made it one of the largest buyers, prompting policymakers and analysts to ask: can India afford to stop?

Public Perception vs Economic Reality

On social media and in public discourse, many suggest India could simply switch suppliers. But analysts warn the issue isn’t just about preference—it’s about supply chains, affordability, refining capabilities, and long-term strategy.

Where India Gets Its Oil

India’s major oil imports traditionally come from the Middle East, Africa, and increasingly Russia. Russian crude has often been cheaper, helping keep fuel prices lower domestically. For countries with large populations and rising energy demand, price matters.

Economic Logic Behind Russian Purchases

Experts highlight three major reasons India leaned into Russian oil:

Cost advantage: Russian crude often trades below global benchmarks.
Stable supply contracts: Long-term deals add predictability.
Refinery compatibility: Some Indian refineries are configured for Russian grades.

The Geopolitical Crossroads

Shifting away from Russian oil isn’t purely economic—it’s political. India has sought to balance its strategic ties with the West and Russia. Reducing energy ties could be seen as taking sides in broader geopolitical tensions, complicating diplomatic relations.

Can India Switch to Other Suppliers?

In theory, yes—India already imports from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the UAE, and the US. But ramping up these supplies is not instantaneous:

Capacity limits at source nations
Higher prices from alternatives
Logistical challenges in redirecting supply routes

Impact on Domestic Fuel Prices

If Indian refiners lose access to cheaper Russian crude, analysts say domestic fuel prices could rise. Higher fuel prices ripple through the economy, affecting transportation costs, inflation, and consumer spending.

Refiners’ Role in the Equation

India’s major refiners currently rely on Russian crude because of long-term contracts and infrastructure optimization. A sudden halt could leave storage facilities underutilized and contracts unsettled.

Energy Security vs Political Pressure

For India’s decision-makers, the choice isn’t just economic it’s about energy security. Cutting off a major supplier without a reliable substitute risks shortages and dependency on potentially more expensive imports.

What Analysts Say About a Complete Stop

Most energy experts agree that India could gradually reduce its reliance on Russian oil, but a complete stop in the short term is unlikely without:

Massive investment in alternative supplies
A coordinated international energy strategy
Domestic policy shifts toward renewables

The Takeaway

India’s reliance on Russian oil is shaped by economics, logistics, and geopolitics. While New Delhi may diversify and reduce dependency over time, a sudden cessation of Russian oil imports is unrealistic without significant economic consequences. The real solution lies in a balanced energy policy combining diversified imports, strategic reserves, and accelerated renewable energy adoption.