India’s OMCs to Continue Buying Russian Crude Post‑U.S. Waiver Expiry – Implications for Energy Security

Overview After the U.S. waiver on Russian oil purchases expired on May 16, 2026 , the Ministry of Petroleum reiterated that Indian OMCs will keep buying Russian crude as long as it is commercially viable. Key Developments Joint‑Secretary Sujata Sharma of the Union Petroleum Ministry said purchases continued before, during and after the waiver, emphasizing commercial sense. The waiver, initially granted for a month, was extended once and lapsed on May 16, 2026 . During the extension, imports rose to 1.96 million barrels per day (bpd) on May 15, 2026 , up from 1.57 million bpd in April. Norwegian Ambassador May‑Elin Stener indicated Oslo’s willingness to discuss energy supplies with India, hinting at alternative sources amid the West Asia conflict . Important Facts Data from the maritime analytics firm Kpler show a sharp surge in Russian crude imports as Indian refiners seek stable feedstock while Middle‑Eastern supplies remain uncertain. Norway, whose energy exports are largely Europe‑focused, imported 56.6 million barrels of crude oil in March 2026 , a 27.3 % increase YoY, and 10.2 billion standard cubic metres of natural gas during the same period, marginally down 0.3 % YoY. UPSC Relevance Energy security: The episode underscores India’s reliance on diversified oil sources and the strategic role of OMCs in ensuring uninterrupted refinery operations. International sanctions regime: Understanding the mechanics of U.S. waivers helps assess how geopolitical pressures shape trade policies. Diplomacy and energy trade: The Norwegian ambassador’s remarks illustrate how bilateral talks can open alternative supply lines, a point relevant to GS2: Polity and GS3: Economy. Impact of regional conflicts: The West Asia conflict continues to affect global oil logistics, a factor for questions on geopolitics and trade. Way Forward Policy makers are likely to: Maintain a flexible import strategy, allowing OMCs to source crude from multiple regions, mitigating supply shocks. Engage in diplomatic outreach with alternative suppliers such as Norway, to diversify the energy basket and reduce over‑dependence on any single source. Monitor sanctions developments closely, ensuring compliance while protecting domestic refinery needs. Overall, the expiry of the U.S. waiver has not altered India’s pragmatic approach: commercial viability and energy security remain the guiding principles.