India Demands Weekly Russian Oil Data Amid US Trade Deal Push

• India's oil ministry (PPAC) now requires refiners to submit weekly data on Russian and US oil purchases, a first for the government.
• The move aims to provide "timely, accurate data" to the US, crucial for ongoing trade deal negotiations.
• Russian oil imports are a "stumbling block" in US-India trade talks, with the US having previously doubled tariffs on Indian goods.
• Industry sources expect Russian crude imports to fall below 1 million bpd, down from a December low of 1.2 million bpd.
• India, while asserting energy security needs, is also exploring increased purchases of US crude to facilitate the trade agreement.

Why It Matters: India seeks weekly oil data to smooth US trade talks, signaling a potential shift in Russian oil reliance.