Indian state refiners are considering tapping the Middle East crude market as spot supply from their top supplier Russia have fallen, three refining sources said, in a move that could support prices for high-sulphur oil.

India’s state oil refiners are finding it hard to buy the volume of Russian crude they need, according to people familiar with the matter.

Indian Oil Corp, Bharat Petroleum Corp, and Hindustan Petroleum—are facing a shortfall of 8-10 million barrels of Russian oil for January loading, the sources said. Read also: India and Russia discuss long-term oil import deal The companies are concerned that issues with obtaining Russian crude on the spot

India's November crude imports showed Middle Eastern oil at a 9-month high while Russia accounted for its smallest share in three quarters, ship tracking data obtained from sources showed. Refiners in India have been gorging on cheaper Russian oil despite problems posed by sanctions aimed at reducing Moscow's oil revenue to fund its war in Ukraine.