UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Russian oil imports, prices jump; U.S. share goes down

Q1. By approximately what percentage did the premium India paid (per tonne) on crude oil sourced from Russia rise in April 2026 compared with March 2026, as per Ministry of Commerce and Industry data?

  • A. 125%
  • B. 225%
  • C. 325%
  • D. 425%

Q2. The headline figure that Russia's share in the value of India's crude oil imports reached an 11-month high of nearly 38% in April 2026 was drawn from foreign trade statistics maintained by which of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • B. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • C. Ministry of External Affairs
  • D. Ministry of Finance

Q3. In April 2026, which single country was India's largest source of crude oil imports by value, as per Ministry of Commerce and Industry data?

  • A. Iraq
  • B. Saudi Arabia
  • C. Russia
  • D. United States

Q4. With reference to India's crude oil imports in April 2026, consider the following statements: 1. Russia's share in the value of India's crude oil imports touched an 11-month high of nearly 38%. 2. The volume share of Russian crude in India's total crude imports stood at about 34.3%. 3. India's total oil import bill for the month was reported at about $15.4 billion. 4. Iraq overtook Russia as India's largest source of crude imports by value during the month. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Russia's share in the value of India's crude oil imports touched an 11-month high of nearly 38%.
  2. The volume share of Russian crude in India's total crude imports stood at about 34.3%.
  3. India's total oil import bill for the month was reported at about $15.4 billion.
  4. Iraq overtook Russia as India's largest source of crude imports by value during the month.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 3 and 4 only

Q5. Which of the following is the nodal Union Ministry that administers India's policy on import of crude oil, including engagement with Russia and other supplier countries?

  • A. Ministry of Commerce and Industry
  • B. Ministry of External Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
  • D. Ministry of Finance