Despite the new sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union against Russian oil companies, Russia’s maritime export of crude oil continues without interruption. According to Reuters, India is likely to maintain its purchases through intermediaries, bypassing direct restrictions.
Source: Censor.NET
Data from LSEG shows that in October, exports from Russia’s ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk amounted to about 2.33 million barrels per day, consistent with the updated monthly schedule. Traders confirm that all tankers currently departing from Baltic ports are expected to arrive in India after November 21 — when the U.S. sanctions come into force.
The American restrictions will officially take effect on November 22, and operations with companies “Rosneft” and “Lukoil” are permitted to be completed until November 21. This means that part of the ongoing shipments will technically fall outside the scope of the sanctions.
Meanwhile, Indian oil refiners, including Reliance Industries, are assessing the risks of the new sanctions and have not yet made final decisions regarding future purchases. Reuters sources report that Moscow may transfer sales to intermediary trading companies, which would increase costs for sellers but reduce risks for buyers.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, which initiated the new sanctions, emphasizes that the restrictions on Russia’s energy sector are intended to “stop funding the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine” while avoiding disruption of global oil market stability.