India Will Buy Russian Oil Despite Trump’s Threats, Officials Say, and honestly, it shouldn’t be a shock to anyone with a grasp of global economics. The simple fact is, a dollar bill, or in this case a barrel of oil, doesn’t just sit around gathering dust. The underlying reality of the situation is that India is able to secure much needed oil at a lower market price, which essentially removes some demand from the overall global supply of oil.
The narrative around Russian oil has been pretty consistent. It’s always been available for sale, though sometimes at a lower price point.… Continue reading
Indian oil refiners continue to procure oil from Russian suppliers, prioritizing factors like price and logistics. Sources indicated that India’s strategy aligns with its role as a major energy consumer, ensuring access to affordable energy while adhering to international standards, even as the U.S. has voiced concerns. Historically, Russian oil has not been sanctioned, but rather subject to a price-cap mechanism, and India has maintained fully legitimate purchases within those established frameworks. India’s actions have contributed to global energy stability, ensuring that markets remain liquid and prices remain stable.
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Reports indicate that Indian state refiners have temporarily halted purchases of Russian crude oil. This pause follows the announcement of a 25% tariff on Russian oil by the Trump administration. Indian Oil Corp, Hindustan Petroleum Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Mangalore Refinery Petrochemical Ltd, have not sought Russian crude in the last week or so.
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President Trump announced the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods from India, citing India’s high tariffs on U.S. products. Additionally, India will face an added import tax for purchasing Russian oil, which Trump claims supports Moscow’s war in Ukraine. This move follows trade framework negotiations with various nations, with the administration viewing tariffs as a means to address the budget deficit and increase domestic jobs. While India studies the announcement and remains committed to a trade agreement, the tariffs may impede India’s goal to double bilateral trade with the U.S. by 2030.
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Three Russian oil tankers, part of a “shadow fleet” designed to circumvent sanctions, are reportedly stranded off the coast of China. These vessels, carrying over two million barrels of oil, were prevented from docking following recent, extensive U.S. sanctions targeting Russia’s energy sector. This action aims to reduce Russia’s ability to fund its war in Ukraine by limiting access to crucial revenue streams. The tankers’ inability to offload their cargo highlights the effectiveness of the sanctions and potentially foreshadows challenges for Russia’s ability to maintain trade with China.
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The Eagle S, a tanker suspected of damaging the Estlink 2 power cable between Finland and Estonia, is owned by a Dubai-based company. Yle’s investigation revealed that over half of the vessels identified in the Russian shadow fleet are similarly linked to Dubai-registered companies, suggesting a pattern of obfuscation. Many of these vessels have recently altered names, owners, or flags, though such practices are not uncommon. Seven crew members aboard the Eagle S are suspected of aggravated vandalism and are under travel restrictions in Finland. These events coincide with increased international scrutiny of Russian oil tankers and sanctions imposed by the U.S.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker