RoydadNaft –  Indian refiners are turning to Middle Eastern crude from spot markets to partly replace Russian supplies, according to two sources in refining and trading, as part of New Delhi’s broader strategy to strengthen its position in trade negotiations with Washington.

State-owned Bharat Petroleum (BPCL) has finalized one-year tenders for Iraqi and Omani crude and is currently seeking Murban crude from the United Arab Emirates through a separate tender, the sources said.

The tenders for Iraq’s Basrah Medium grade and Omani crude were awarded to commodity trader Trafigura.

Under the agreements, BPCL is set to receive four firm cargoes of Omani oil and one cargo of Iraqi oil per quarter during the fiscal year starting in April.

Separately, other state-run refiners — Hindustan Petroleum (HPCL) and Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), India’s largest refiner — have also ramped up their spot market purchases from the Middle East.