India Can Replace Russian Oil – But What Would It Cost? – Insights from New Delhi
Indian oil refiners have the capacity to operate without depending on Russian crude oil. However, experts highlight that this transition would involve significant challenges. Moving away from Russian oil could result in billions of dollars in additional import costs for India. Such an increase would place pressure on the country’s refining profit margins, potentially leading to reduced earnings for companies in the sector.
Currently, Indian oil refineries primarily focus on producing distillate fuels, including diesel and jet fuel, which are well-suited to processing Russian crude. Switching to alternative oil sources may disrupt this distillate-heavy production model and could affect fuel supply availability.
Analysts warn that although India has the ability to replace Russian oil imports, the economic and operational costs associated with this change could be substantial. The country will need to carefully balance:
- Energy security
- Financial implications
- Refining strategy adaptations
This balancing act is crucial as India navigates the evolving global oil market landscape. Stay tuned for more updates from Questiqa USA.

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