Indian refiners, major buyers of Russian crude, are planning to reduce their imports slightly in response to growing pressure from Washington. The adjustment comes just before the U.S. implements higher tariffs, underscoring India’s effort to balance economic interests with international diplomatic pressures.

Industry insiders said that state-owned and private companies, including Reliance Industries Ltd., are expected to purchase between 1.4 million and 1.6 million barrels per day for October shipments, down from an average of 1.8 million barrels daily earlier this year.

The U.S. administration, aiming to address the trade deficit with India, has doubled tariffs on certain imports from the country, effective August 27. The planned reduction in Russian crude purchases is seen as a modest concession to these pressures, while signaling that India will continue energy trade with Moscow.

Actual import volumes may still change if India reaches a trade agreement with the U.S. or if Washington eases restrictions tied to funding Russia’s war in Ukraine.

India’s oil ministry, Reliance, Nayara Energy Ltd., and state-run refiners such as Indian Oil Corp., Bharat Petroleum Corp., and Hindustan Petroleum Corp. did not respond to requests for comment.

Since the Ukraine conflict escalated, India’s purchases of Russian crude have jumped sharply, now representing around 37% of Russia’s oil exports. U.S. officials have publicly criticized India’s energy sector leaders over this surge, highlighting the geopolitical tension surrounding these imports.