India Crude Imports Hit 2026 High on Rebound in Middle Eastern Supplies
India's crude oil imports have reached a year-high of 5.26 million barrels per day (mbd) in September 2026, driven by a rebound in Middle Eastern supplies despite lingering geopolitical tensions along critical maritime transit routes.
The surge marks a significant operational recovery for Indian refiners, with Iraq reclaiming its position as India's second-largest crude supplier after Russia.
Saudi Arabia supplied 517,000 barrels per day (bpd), backed by the restoration of its East-West pipeline to the Red Sea port of Yanbu following Houthi attacks in September. The UAE delivered 438,000 bpd, while Kuwait recorded a major rebound, shipping 335,000 bpd, its highest volume in a year after months of near-zero flows to India.
The restoration of Gulf crude flows through the Strait of Hormuz has been facilitated by strategic operational workarounds executed by Middle Eastern national oil companies and international traders.