Russian oil exports held steady in October despite new sanctions, but Indian refiners cut purchases over compliance risks.

Russian oil exports from western ports held steady at 2.33 million barrels per day in October despite new U.S. and EU sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil, which take effect November 21. Some tankers, including the Furia bound for India, reversed course after sanctions were imposed, raising compliance concerns. Indian refiners, including HPCL-Mittal Energy, have suspended purchases amid scrutiny over shipments on blacklisted vessels that evade detection by turning off transponders. While India remains a top buyer of Russian crude, imports have faced increasing pressure due to sanctions and banking restrictions, prompting refiners to shift toward Middle Eastern supplies.