India’s crude oil imports hit a 2026 high in September, reaching 5.26 million barrels per day, as stronger Gulf supplies and alternative shipping routes boosted arrivals.

Shipments from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar rose, according to provisional tanker data. Iraq became India’s second-largest crude supplier after Russia for the first time since the US-Iran conflict began in February.

Dozens of large tankers are moving through the Strait of Hormuz with transponders off, then transferring crude to other ships in UAE and Omani waters. These ship-to-ship transfers have helped restore Middle Eastern crude supplies to India and reduced uncertainty for refiners.

Russian crude flows to India came under pressure for a second straight month amid competition from Chinese refiners and tighter availability.

Analysts say the return of Gulf barrels gives Indian refiners access to crude grades with strong middle-distillate yields, which suit domestic demand.

India remains one of the world’s largest crude oil importers, sourcing mainly from the Middle East.