The war in Iran has led to a „significant increase in demand” for Russian energy products, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday.
„We are witnessing a significant increase in demand for Russian energy following the war in Iran. Russia has been and remains a reliable supplier of both oil and gas – both pipeline gas and liquefied natural gas. It also remains capable of guaranteeing the continuity of all contracted supplies,” Peskov said, according to CNN.
His comments came after the United States granted India a "30-day waiver" on purchasing Russian oil aboard ships, provided that it is unloaded in Indian ports.
"To ensure the continuation of the oil flow in the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver, which will allow Indian refineries to purchase Russian oil," said Scott Bessent, head of the US Treasury Department.
Prior to the conflict with Iran, the US criticized India for continuing to buy Russian oil - which helps finance the Kremlin's war effort in Ukraine - and imposed tariffs on the country.
Announcing the temporary waiver, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent argued that "the short-term measure will not provide significant financial benefits" to Russia.
According to Peskov, buyers such as India and China are guided by their "national interest."
"We do the same. We continue our cooperation, including in the energy and energy trade sector, both with India and China," he said.
Peskov declined to disclose the possible volumes of Russian oil deliveries to India following Washington's waiver, as reported by Reuters.
The conflict, now in its seventh day on Friday, has left the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for maritime transport, nearly closed.
Countries around the world have thus lost access to a fifth of the global supply of oil and liquefied natural gas.