Sanctions Skirting: China and India Fuel Russian Oil Giants Rosneft and Lukoil

China and India are buying discounted Russian oil from Rosneft and Lukoil, undermining US-led sanctions

Geopolitical tensions are reshaping the global oil market. The United States and its allies have imposed strict sanctions on Russia. These sanctions target major energy firms like Rosneft and Lukoil. However, two key nations are helping Russia maintain its oil revenue: China and India.

China and India are buying Russian oil at discounted prices. This increased trade is weakening the intended impact of Western sanctions. Both Asian giants need huge amounts of energy to power their growing economies. They are taking advantage of the low prices. This allows Russia to keep its oil production high and finance its operations.

The situation creates a complex dynamic for the US. Washington aims to penalize Moscow but risks angering key trading partners. The US has to balance its foreign policy goals against global economic stability. The increased trade confirms the emergence of parallel energy markets. This shift challenges the long-standing dominance of traditional Western buyers. The flow of Russian oil to Asia is a major, ongoing geopolitical headache.