Media: Tankers laden with Russian oil stranded off Indian coast

A sharp decline in India’s imports of Russian crude has left Moscow facing a logistical challenge over oil that has already been loaded onto tankers but cannot be delivered to refineries.

Thus, shipments of Russian oil to Indian ports fell sharply in December 2025, averaging around 1.2 million barrels per day – the lowest level in over three years. Imports fell even further in January, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

The slowdown has led to a significant build-up of tankers anchored off the coasts of India and Oman. While the number of vessels waiting off Oman has gradually declined, most of those that have already departed remain anchored near India, with others reportedly heading to China. Only a single ship has managed to offload its cargo.

Russian suppliers are also storing crude in tank facilities in Indonesia. In recent weeks, at least three shipments have been unloaded at Karimun, Balikpapan and Tanjung Intan.

The total volume of Russian crude being stored on tankers has stabilised at around 140 million barrels.

Earlier, Oil Minister Hardeep Puri said India, the world’s third-largest crude importer, is expected to further reduce purchases of Russian oil as it diversifies its suppliers.

Shipments from Russia have already fallen to 1.3 million barrels per day, down from 1.8 million last year, reflecting market-driven conditions, Puri told Bloomberg Television.

While the US has pressed India to curb Russian oil imports through additional tariffs, flows remain partly supported by discounts. There is no government mandate on purchases, with companies making their own decisions.

India currently buys oil from 41 nations and is looking to increase supplies from Canada and the United States.

By Aghakazim Guliyev