India's crude oil imports from Latin America and Africa rose marginally in February as refiners turned to alternative sources, fearing a loss of Russian oil supplies caused by tighter U.S. sanctions,

India became the biggest buyer of Russian seaborne oil sold at a discount after Western nations imposed sanctions on Moscow for its 2022 invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Non-sanctioned vessels were delivering cargoes, while some shipments were diverted from Turkey. The flow recovery to the world's third-largest oil importer and consumer is easing a supply glut and lowering prices for rival Middle East grades.

India's Russian oil imports recovered in March, returning to near usual levels after a 3-month decline, as non-sanctioned vessels were delivering cargoes, while some supplies were diverted from Turkey,