Civil services Current affairs - Rupee Based Trading of Oil

Rupee Based Trading of Oil

Context:

• As the Western sanctions has hit the Russian Dollar based trading, it is looking to switch to trade in Chinese Yuan and the rupee.
• But the Ministry in India has clarified that India will not trade with Russia or any other country in Indian rupee.

What is happening?

• India is making use of the situation to buy the oil from Russian firms through spot tenders.
• This oil which Indian firms are procuring are being available with deep discounts.
• While some other buyers who have condemned Moscow’s action in Ukraine have refrained from buying oil from Russia.

What was the situation earlier?

• India is heavily dependent on oil from various countries, 85% of India’s crude oil requirements are met through imports.
• India’s crude oil imports have majorly come from Iraq followed by Saudi Arabia and USA.
• Refineries had been reluctant to buy oil from Russia owing to its high freight costs, which will increase the cost of production.

 

Source: THE HINDU.