Russia was India's 2nd-largest oil supplier in May, surpassing Saudi Arabia, new data shows

Russia became India's second largest oil supplier in May.

New data shows that India imported 819,000 barrels of Russian oil a day. Iraq is India's top oil supplier, while Saudia Arabia is third.

As sanctions take aim at the Kremlin's output, India's increased appetite for Russian oil comes as a result. The Biden administration imposed sanctions after the February 24 invasion while the EU embargoed in May.

Much of Russia's oil has been diverted to Asia. Poland and Bulgaria have been at odds with the Kremlin over its demands for payments to be made in rubles.

India doesn't use Russian crude because of high freight costs. Russia has had to part with its oil because of the sanctions. India insists that its purchases of Russian oil only account for a small portion of its total supply.

In May, India's overall imports rose 5.6% from a year ago, according to a report.