<h1>US sanctions prompt Indian refiners to halt most direct Russian crude purchases, causing December slump and rerouted recovery</h1> Following new US sanctions on two major Russian oil exporters effective November 21, Indian refiners that previously accounted for over half of direct Russian crude imports will largely halt such purchases from late November, triggering a steep drop in Russian arrivals in December and gradual recovery via intermediaries and alternate routes through early 2026. A major private refiner and two state-controlled refiners have announced suspension of direct Russian cargoes, while one refinery already under EU measures is likely to continue Russian intake. Refiners plan to diversify supplies from the Middle East, the Americas, West Africa and Canada.