Iraq oil exports to India remained robust in September, securing Iraq’s position as India’s second-largest crude oil supplier. This update comes amid shifting global energy dynamics and tightened sanctions on Russian oil.
According to Kpler, a leading energy market analytics firm, India sourced 904,000 barrels per day from Iraq last month. This marked a significant increase from 730,000 barrels per day in August. As a result, Iraq maintained its second-place ranking after Russia. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia and the UAE held third and fourth positions.
In contrast, India’s imports from Russia slightly declined. In September, Indian refiners imported 1.6 million barrels per day from Russia. That figure was down from 1.7 million barrels in August, representing a six percent decrease. Nevertheless, Russia continued to dominate India’s crude oil supply, accounting for 33.3 percent of total imports.
India, the world’s third-largest oil consumer, depends heavily on external sources. Over 85 percent of India’s oil demand is met through imports. Furthermore, Indian refineries buy oil from more than 30 countries, highlighting the country’s diverse sourcing strategy.
Despite Iraq’s strong showing in September, the broader trend suggests a moderate decline. Iraq oil exports to India fell by four percent in the first half of 2025 when compared to the same period in 2024. From January to June 2025, Iraq shipped an average of 860,000 barrels per day to India. This figure was lower than the 900,000 barrels per day recorded during the first half of 2024.
Earlier this year, Indian refiners adjusted their sourcing decisions. They moved away from Russian oil even before formal sanctions were in place. The Indian government had alerted refineries to potential US sanctions in advance. This proactive step led to changes in supply contracts and purchasing behavior.
At the same time, Western sanctions on Moscow, especially from the United States, reshaped global oil flows. These restrictions forced several buyers of discounted Russian oil to seek new suppliers. Consequently, countries like Iraq gained renewed importance in India’s import strategy.
Iraq oil exports to India demonstrate how geopolitical shifts influence trade routes and national energy policies. Although competition remains high, Iraq continues to play a critical role in meeting India’s growing energy needs.
