Russia Offers India Oil Amid Middle East Crisis

Russia stands ready to supply India with approximately 9.5 million barrels of crude oil, an offer that could significantly alleviate supply concerns. This move comes as Middle East disruptions threaten India's energy security, with only about 25 days of crude stock coverage. The situation is critical as 40% of India's crude imports transit the Strait of Hormuz, a route recently impacted by attacks.

To mitigate the crisis, India has been actively seeking alternative supplies. Russia's readiness to divert oil and potentially supply liquefied natural gas, following Qatar's production halt, offers immediate relief. India's imports of Russian crude saw a dip but have since rebounded, indicating a strategic reliance on diverse sources amid evolving international dynamics and U.S. trade talks.

This pivot to Russian energy occurs against a backdrop of broader market shifts, where Russian oil's discount is narrowing due to its newfound seller's market status. Both India and China, major Asian energy consumers, are heavily reliant on Middle Eastern crude, but India's lower storage capacity makes it more vulnerable to regional shocks.