India formally requested that US prolong the waiver permitting imports of Russian crude, a move aimed at cushioning the market as the Iran‑Israel conflict enters its eleventh week and threatens Gulf oil flows. The appeal, conveyed by senior officials, comes after the United States granted an initial exemption in March and later expanded it to run through May 16.

Washington has long used the waiver to pressure New Delhi into limiting discounted Russian oil purchases, leveraging sanctions tied to Moscow’s war in Ukraine. By keeping the exemption alive, the United States hopes to inject extra barrels into the market and temper the price spike sparked by Gulf disruptions. Analysts estimate the waiver adds roughly 400,000 barrels per day to global supply.

The extension request underscores how geopolitical turbulence is reshaping trade flows, with India likely to continue sourcing cheaper Russian crude while western allies tighten sanctions. Energy traders have already priced in a modest dip in Brent futures, and the move could preserve India’s import bill amid rising regional risk premiums. The waiver now hinges on diplomatic negotiations in Washington overall this summer.