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.

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%.

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.

Brent up 6 cents at $70.83, WTI rose 4 cents to $65.67.

Deliveries of Russian crude to Chinese ports rose to 2.09 million barrels a day in the first 18 days of February, vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show. The increase — from 1.72 million barrels a day in the whole of January and 1.39 million in December — has more than offset a drop from India.

India's crude oil purchases underwent a transformative change in 2026, with significantly reduced volumes of Russian Urals and incremental growth in Middle East Gulf barrels comprising its portfolio as of January,

Hungary has announced that it will block adoption of the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia.

Brent edged down 28 cents, or 0.4%, to $71.38, WTI lost 20 cents, or 0.3%, to $66.23.

This energy buying pledge—part of an estimated $33 billion in US goods purchases pledged by Jakarta—includes $3.5 billion for LPG, $4.5 billion for crude oil, and $7 billion for refined gasoline, according to the agreement released by the Office of the US Trade Representative on Feb. 19 in Washington.

Brent rose 23 cents or 0.34% to $67.65, WTI was up 19 cents or 0.3% at $62.52.