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,

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.

Indian state refiner Bharat Petroleum Corp plans to float a 4-month tender next week to buy U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude, a person familiar with the matter said on Friday, as it eyes cheaper oil from the world's top producer.