India's Russian oil imports at record high amid Strait of Hormuz disruption

📌 Summary:

• India's crude imports from Russia in June are set to touch an all-time high as Strait of Hormuz disruptions cut West Asian barrels and raise freight risk
• In June so far, Russian oil averaged 2.6 million bpd — 53.5% of India's total crude imports; Kpler projects over 2.35 million bpd for the full month, the highest ever (previous peak 2.2 million bpd in May 2023)
• Even though the US sanctions waiver on Russian oil purchases has lapsed, refiners expect Russian crude to remain the mainstay of India's import basket
• Driver: regional war and supply disruption near the Strait of Hormuz have tightened West Asian flows since March 2026

🎯 UPSC Relevance: GS3 (Economy/Energy security) — India's crude import diversification, energy security, and the link between geopolitics and the oil import bill/current account.

📝 Prelims Facts:

• Strait of Hormuz: chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; carries a large share of global seaborne oil
• Russia's share of India's crude in June: ~53.5%; record monthly volume projected: >2.35 million bpd
• Kpler is a commodity-market analytics firm tracking vessel/tanker flows

🔑 Key Term: Chokepoint — a narrow strategic maritime passage (e.g. Strait of Hormuz) whose disruption can sharply affect global energy supply and prices.