Lubriedge Rubber Process Oil (Naphthenic 541) in Delhi

Crude oil prices are relatively stable, with WTI at $62.69 and Brent at $64.76. India’s crude imports are set to rise in H2 2025 as refineries restart and expand. Russia remains a top supplier, while Brent-Dubai EFS makes Middle Eastern crude more attractive. Import diversification is expected to continue.

India’s average crude import price dropped to $72/barrel in March 2025, down from $84 a year earlier, driven by global price softening and diversified sourcing. While Russian crude remains a key supply, narrowing discounts and longer delivery times for U.S. imports are reshaping India’s strategy toward Middle East and West African suppliers.

Crude prices dipped slightly while natural gas edged up. India's crude imports from Russia hit a two-year high, signaling deepening ties. Ongoing OPEC+ adjustments and geopolitical shifts influence supply. Joint India-Russia clean energy projects, including a thorium SMR, hint at future diversification beyond hydrocarbons.

Oil and gas prices across India remain steady, but exports of petroleum products dropped sharply by 35% YoY in April 2025 due to reduced HSD and ATF shipments and planned refinery maintenance. While short-term volumes may remain subdued, upcoming capacity expansions and stable demand are expected to support future recovery.

Brent Crude averaged $67.79/bbl in April 2025, down from $72.60/bbl in March. India’s crude imports fell 1% YoY, with Russia maintaining its lead and the U.S. surpassing the UAE. Domestic production declined, while petroleum product output dropped 4.2%. LNG imports surged 21.3%, highlighting a growing shift to cleaner fuels.

WTI crude oil hovers above $63/bbl, weighed by OPEC+ supply increases and U.S. trade tensions. Goldman Sachs highlights Trump’s historical preference for lower oil prices, adding uncertainty. While easing U.S.–China tariffs provided brief support, rising U.S. inventories and fragile geopolitical balances limit further upside. Market remains cautious and range-bound.

India has significantly ramped up U.S. crude oil imports, leveraging favorable WTI pricing and using energy trade as a strategic tool amid ongoing tariff negotiations with the U.S. State refiners are leading the charge, while analysts expect continued import growth, potentially impacting regional freight, WTI pricing, and global energy trade dynamics.

Crude oil prices rose modestly, with WTI at $64.19/bbl and Brent at $67.89/bbl. Domestic demand in India stays resilient, aided by easing inflation and fiscal headroom. Bitumen, base oil, and lubricants remain stable across regions. Export headwinds persist amid global tariff tensions, but GDP growth is projected at 6.5% for FY26.

Crude oil prices saw modest gains, with WTI at $64.19/bbl and Brent at $67.89/bbl. The Indian Rupee weakened to ₹85.34/USD. Russia now supplies 36% of India’s crude, outpacing OPEC. Domestic bitumen, base oil, and fuel oil prices remain stable. Market sentiment is bullish amid tightened supply and rising geopolitical risks.