India -- which imports more than 85% of its oil -- is among the few remaining buyers of Russian crude, a key source of revenue for Vladimir Putin’s regime. Flows of Russian oil to India aren’t sanctioned, but tightening international restrictions in areas such as marine insurance and pressure on New Delhi from the U.S. are making the trade more difficult. India’s state refiners can take about 15 million barrels a month -- around 10% of overall imports -- if Russia agrees to the price demands and delivers the oil to India, the people said. Energy purchases from Russia remain minuscule in comparison to India’s total consumption, according to an official statement by India’s press office. While the sea trip from there to India would be quicker, there would likely be major costs and logistical hurdles in transporting the oil over land.
