US Double Standards on Russian Oil: Refined Products Reach EU and US Despite Sanctions Amid Record Indian Imports

A report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) highlights apparent contradictions in Western trade policies as refined petroleum products made from Russian crude continue to reach European Union and US markets.

Key Highlights:
- Record Imports by India: India's purchase of Russian crude hit a record 5.5 billion euros in July, with daily supplies rising to about 2.8 million barrels per day—accounting for nearly 55.5% of India's total crude imports.
- Western Imports of Refined Products: Despite EU bans on certain petroleum products made from Russian crude since January 21, cargoes originating from Indian refineries like Jamnagar—which process Russian feedstock—arrived at EU ports and the US in July.
- CREA Findings: Out of total oil products exported in July by refiners in India, Turkey, Brunei, and Georgia, approximately 284 million euros worth were manufactured using Russian crude.
- US Pressure and Legislation: The report comes against the backdrop of the US Senate passing the 'Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act 2026', which proposes up to 100% tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil, pending House approval.