March 6 (Reuters) - Russian flagship Urals oil is selling at a premium to the Brent international benchmark at delivery in Indian ports for the first time ever, fuelled by rising demand due to the Iran war,

The move is intended to ease pressures on the country's oil supplies in the short term. Meanwhile, day two of the Raisina Dialogue 2026 has commenced in New Delhi. Follow live.

With shipping via Strait of Hormuz restricted, international oil prices are spiking. Industry experts see the move as part of Donald Trump’s effort to prevent an additional and sustained spike, given the mid-term elections in the US later this year.

Russia has offered to fully meet India’s energy needs if Middle East tensions disrupt oil and gas supplies, after QatarEnergy halted LNG production following Iranian drone strikes.

Russia reports India's renewed interest in larger crude oil imports amid Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Moscow sees this as a chance to reduce discounts to Asian buyers. India, however, assures sufficient reserves and diversified sourcing,

With tensions in West Asia threatening global oil supplies, Russia has offered to step in with energy support for India, as per a Russian source quoted by Reuters.

India's oil imports from Russia hit a 44-month low in January 2026, while Gulf countries' supply share increased amidst rising prices.

The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the US strikes on Iran and offered to help wherever needed.