China Increases Russian Oil Imports Amid Reduced Purchases by India and Turkey

As per Reuters, China has significantly increased its imports of Russian oil in January, as tougher Western sanctions force Moscow to divert crude flows.  

This shift follows sweeping sanctions imposed by the United States and the European Union in late 2025 on Russian oil sellers and shippers, including energy majors Rosneft and Lukoil. 

China's Surge in Russian Oil Imports 

Preliminary LSEG data shows China is set to receive nearly 15,00,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Russian oil by sea this month, up from around 11,00,000 bpd in December.  

China has also ramped up imports of Russian Urals crude to a record 4,05,000 bpd in January — the highest level since mid-2023. 

Urals crude discounts to China widened to $10-$12 per barrel below ICE Brent in late 2025, reflecting weaker demand elsewhere. 

India and Turkey Cut Russian Oil Purchases 

India, which had emerged as the largest buyer of Russian Urals by sea after the European Union embargoed Moscow’s oil in 2022, cut its purchases to below 10,00,000 bpd in December. Indian refiners are expected to keep imports of Russian oil close to 10,00,000 bpd in January as they diversify supply sources. 

Turkey, another major buyer of Russian crude, has also pared back its intake. Urals imports into Turkey slipped to around 2,50,000 bpd in January, compared with an average of 2,75,000 bpd in 2025. 

Read More: India Cuts US Bond Holdings as Gold Share Rises in Forex Reserves! 

Impact of EU Sanctions 

The EU’s ban on fuels made from Russian-origin crude has softened demand for Urals crude in India and Turkey, both key exporters of diesel to Europe. This has further reshaped global oil trade flows. 

Conclusion 

China's sharp increase in Russian oil imports in January comes as India and Turkey reduce their purchases. The shift is driven by tighter Western sanctions, which have forced Moscow to redirect crude flows and led to wider discounts for Urals crude. 

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities or companies mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation or investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions. 

Investments in the securities market are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing.