US ends India’s Russian oil waiver

The United States has officially ended a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed India to continue purchasing discounted crude oil from Russia, signaling a renewed push to tighten economic pressure on Moscow.

The waiver, which was granted for a limited period of one month, had enabled Indian refineries to secure significant volumes of Russian oil despite ongoing international sanctions imposed after Russia’s prolonged conflict with Ukraine. During this window, Indian companies reportedly placed orders for nearly 30 million barrels of crude oil.

According to US Treasury officials, all transactions agreed before the March 11 deadline under the exemption have now expired. Authorities clarified that while shipments already in transit will still be honored, India will not be permitted to enter into any new agreements for Russian oil imports going forward.

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The decision is expected to have implications for global energy markets, as India had emerged as one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude in recent years. The availability of cheaper oil had helped New Delhi manage domestic fuel prices and reduce import costs amid global volatility.

Analysts believe the move could force India to diversify its energy sources or seek alternative suppliers in the Middle East and other regions. However, it remains unclear how quickly such adjustments can be made without affecting supply stability or pricing.

Despite the tightening restrictions, Indian authorities have not indicated any immediate plans to completely halt Russian oil imports, highlighting the complex balance between energy security and geopolitical considerations.

The development underscores Washington’s continued efforts to enforce sanctions more strictly, while also placing additional pressure on countries maintaining trade ties with Russia.