Russia is now aiming to capitalize on supply concerns as a result of the conflict in the Middle East, where energy infrastructure and supply routes have been attacked.

Brent was up $2.25, or 2.8%, at $83.65, WTI rose $2.56, or 3.4%, to $77.22.

India was the top buyer ​of Russian seaborne crude after Moscow's 2022 Ukraine invasion, but in January ⁠its refiners started to reduce purchases, helping New Delhi avoid 25% tariffs imposed by Washington ​and clinch an interim trade deal.

European gas prices spiked to a three-year high this week amid the widening conflict in the Middle East, though they pared some losses today after the US said it plans to protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Brent were at $79.44 a barrel, up $1.70, WTI jumped $1.17, or 1.6%, to $72.40.

The eight OPEC+ countries also noted that this measure will provide an opportunity for the participating countries to accelerate their compensation.

India became the single most important buyer of Moscow’s seaborne crude after the invasion of Ukraine, but the country has been cutting back in response to US pressure — particularly after a US trade deal struck last month that rolled back punitive tariffs.

Brent rose 36 cents, or 0.51%, to $71.11, WTI was at $65.59, up 38 cents, or 0.58%.

The Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar have been discussing additional prospects for cooperation in their bilateral oil and gas, as well as the development of nuclear energy, at meetings held in Istanbul.

Millions of barrels of Russian oil stored on tankers at sea could still provide Indian refiners with a quick and cheap solution, provided they get the nod from New Delhi.