How Much Oil Has India Bought From Russia During Ukraine War? This Report Will Shock You

New Delhi: According to a new report by the European think tank Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Russia has earned more than €1 trillion from global fossil fuel exports since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022 until January 2026. This revenue has played a significant role in financing the Russian war effort during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

What are the details of the report?

The report states that China has been the largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels, purchasing €293.7 billion worth—including €210.3 billion in oil, €42.7 billion in coal, and €40.6 billion in gas. India is the second-largest buyer, importing a total of €162.5 billion worth of fossil fuels, comprising €143.88 billion in crude oil and €18.18 billion in coal.

The European Union also spent €218.1 billion on Russian fossil fuels, including €106.3 billion on oil, €3.5 billion on coal, and €108.2 billion on gas. CREA expressed concern that this accounts for one-fifth of the total €1 trillion, primarily due to gas, even though the EU has imposed sanctions on crude oil and refined products. Countries like Hungary and Slovakia have received exemptions for pipeline deliveries.

How much oil has India bought from Russia?

India, the world's third-largest oil importer, became a major buyer of discounted Russian oil after the war began. Russia's share of India's total crude oil imports increased from less than 1% to a peak of 40%. 

Why has India reduced oil purchases from Russia?

However, India's purchases have declined following fresh sanctions imposed by the US on Rosneft and Lukoil in November 2025. Several refineries, including Reliance Industries, have stopped importing Russian oil, causing Russia's daily sales to fall to €72.92 million in January—significantly lower than the peak of €189.07 million in July 2023.

According to CREA, some companies, such as Indian Oil Corporation and Bharat Petroleum, continue to purchase from sanctioned entities. The report also highlights Russia's "shadow fleet" and its capacity for market expansion, which is sustaining trade despite the sanctions.

The G7 and the EU have imposed numerous sanctions on Russia, but countries like China, India, and Turkey are not enforcing them. CREA suggests that stronger sanctions could further limit Russia's earnings.