Uche Cecil Izuora
Nigeria’s oil spec has been targeted by India to increase the country’s domestic refining capabilities as it openly drops import from Russia.
Indian Oil Corp bought six million barrels of crude from West Africa and the Middle East, traders said, as the Asian country steered clear of Russian oil in New Delhi’s push for a trade deal with Washington.
Key import came from Nigeria’s Agbami crude through Totsa, the trading arm of TotalEnergies while it also bought Nigeria’s Akpo and Bonny Light crude from Shell, two of the traders said
Indian refiners are not taking March-April Russian crude offers, and are expected to stay away from such trades for longer, refining and trade sources said.
The IOC bought Angola’s Pazflor crude and Nigeria’s Agbami crude from Totsa, the trading arm of TotalEnergies. It also bought Nigeria’s Akpo and Bonny Light crude from Shell.
In addition, it purchased two millon barrels from Mercuria, the Upper Zakum crude produced in the United Arab Emirates. The purchases were done via tenders issued last week and for April-delivery, they added.
Indian companies and traders do not comment on spot tenders due to a confidentiality clause.
India is significantly boosting oil imports from Nigeria in late 2025 and early 2026 to diversify its energy sources, as Indian refiners reduce reliance on Russian crude due to tighter Western sanctions. This shift, supported by increased Nigerian production (1.6 million bpd in Jan 2026), strengthens bilateral energy trade between the two nations.
As of late 2025, Indian refiners like Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) have turned to West African sources, including Nigerian crude (Agbami, Usan), due to increased banking scrutiny on Russian oil.
Nigeria has increased its oil output to 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd) by early 2026.
In October 2025, Nigeria commissioned its first wholly-owned Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) vessel, which helps boost production and secure export capabilities.
The Dangote Group has engaged with Indian firm EIL for refinery expansion, further tightening trade relations.
This move allows India to diversify energy, manage U.S. pressure, and secure reliable supply, while providing Nigeria with a crucial, consistent market.