India Hits the Russia Reset Button as Oil Flows Hit Near-Record Levels

The temporary easing of U.S. sanctions on Russian crude has rapidly redrawn global oil flows, with India stepping back in as the dominant buyer of previously distressed barrels. Even as overall imports are about to ease seasonally, Russian volumes into Asia are surging—tightening the market and pushing Urals to a rare $8/bbl premium over Brent. Washington’s March 12 decision to allow sales of oil already loaded onto tankers had an immediate impact. Almost all of Russia’s floating storage was quickly absorbed, pulling hesitant…