A new report by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) shows that European Union countries are still buying a large amount of fossil fuels from Russia—more than India. Since the war in Ukraine started, EU countries have been responsible for 23% of Russia’s fossil fuel export income, while India accounts for only 13%.

At the same time, ships from G7 countries and their allies are carrying more than half of Russian oil barrels around the world. The report points out, “Since Jan, the G7+ share in Russian oil transport has increased from 36% to 56%.” In June, more than 50% of Russian seaborne oil exports were carried by G7+ tankers, which is a 6% rise from May.

These ships are following the price cap rules and other terms of Western sanctions, meaning the oil is being sold under certain limits. India has been defending its decision to buy oil from Russia, saying it helps keep energy prices under control. India also says it contributes around 9% of the world’s daily oil supply through these purchases.

Indian government sources said this report shows how Western countries are being unfair. “These figures only vindicate India’s emphasis on ensuring for its citizens regular and affordable energy supplies,” said a source, who did not want to be named.

India says West is showing double standards

India is upset because recently, the US doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50%, saying India is “fuelling the Russian war machine.” Last month, the EU also put sanctions on the Indian oil company Nayara Energy.

Indian sources said that while India is being targeted, “The European Union has been procuring not just energy but also fertilisers, chemicals, iron, steel and transport equipment from Russia.”

The CREA report also shows that Russia has earned a total of EUR 923 billion from fossil fuel exports since the war began. Of this, EU countries gave EUR 212 billion, India gave EUR 121 billion, and China, the biggest buyer, gave over EUR 200 billion.

The report also found that even though the amount of fuel exported by Russia grew by 8% in the second quarter of 2025 compared to the first quarter, “Russian fossil fuel revenues in the second quarter of 2025 dropped by 18% year-on-year – the lowest in a quarter since the invasion of Ukraine.”

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