India’s Russian crude imports in June could reach a monthly record as more tankers travel toward major refining ports, according to energy economist Anas Alhajji.

Alhajji, chief economist at NGP Energy Capital Management, cited the unusually large number of vessels carrying Russian crude to India. He also shared a Kpler map showing tankers headed to ports across the country.

India Russian Crude Imports in June: What the Data Shows

The outlook follows May data from the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air, or CREA. The organization ranked India as the world’s second-largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels during the month.

India purchased an estimated €5.8 billion, about $6.7 billion, in Russian hydrocarbons in May. Crude oil represented approximately 83% of the total and was valued at €4.8 billion. Oil products were valued at €550 million, while coal purchases reached €429 million.

India’s total crude import volume increased 8% from April to May, while purchases of Russian crude rose 21%.

Deliveries to the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat increased 36%, and arrivals at the Jamnagar refining complex rose 14%.

Russian crude deliveries to the New Mangalore refinery increased 13%, while imports at the Visakhapatnam refinery rose 42%. The Paradip refinery in Odisha received its highest volume of Russian crude in two years.

Why India Is Importing More Russian Oil

Russia has become a major oil supplier to India since Western sanctions and trade restrictions reshaped global energy flows following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Indian refiners have increased purchases of discounted Russian barrels to manage energy costs and support refining margins.

CREA said China received 50% of Russia’s crude exports in May, followed by India with 36%, Turkiye with 6% and the European Union with 5%.

A June import record would further demonstrate India’s growing role in Russia’s energy trade and show how sanctions continue to redirect global crude shipments toward Asian buyers.