Russia remained India’s top crude oil supplier in September at about 1.74 million barrels per day, even as overall Russian imports touched their lowest level since April, according to reports.

Refiners are diversifying purchases, and Russian oil flows to India have tightened amid reduced exports and strong Chinese demand, Reuters reported. Supplies are being squeezed from both directions. India is the world’s third-largest oil importer, so shifts in its buying move global crude balances.

The Hindu BusinessLine reported that India’s Russian oil imports fell to their lowest since April as refiners picked up barrels from other sources. Indian buyers have been balancing price advantage with the risk of supply disruptions.

Russian crude still holds the largest share of India’s import basket. Trade data shows Moscow’s volumes remain well ahead of Middle Eastern and other suppliers.

What happens next: the direction of Russian exports and China’s buying will decide how much further India’s Russian imports slip in October.