Moscow: Russia will not disclose crude oil export data to India amid West Asia tensions, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov citing security risks from “too many ill-wishers” and refusing to confirm media reports of up to 22 million barrels possibly heading there weekly.
Peskov made these remarks when pressed on media claims about massive Russian shipments. “We will not disclose quantitative data on shipments for obvious reasons,” he said, highlighting geopolitical pressures on Moscow’s energy trade.
This comes days after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a 30-day waiver for Indian refiners. The move allows them purchase stranded Russian crude at sea in a bid to steady global oil supplies rocked by the on-going conflict involving Iran, Israel and the US. Maritime transport in the region has come under severe pressure due to escalating hostilities and the near-closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz by Iran.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Moscow stands ready to boost deliveries to India and China as global oil routes face uncertainty.
Russian state TV recently aired maps tracking several oil tankers moving from the Arabian Sea toward the Bay of Bengal, perhaps headed to refineries located along India’s eastern shores.
With the conflict now in its seventh day, President Donald Trump has made it clear that Washington will not negotiate with Iran without its “unconditional surrender.”
Israeli jets pounded Tehran with over 80 strikes on IRGC sites, sparking huge explosions and smoke plumes. Iran hit back with missiles targeting Israel and Gulf states. Loud explosions echoed over Jerusalem as Israeli defence forces raced to intercept Iranian missiles and drones.
