BPCL expects sharp drop in Russian crude purchases in November

Bharat Petroleum expects its Russian crude purchases to fall significantly in November because of high freight costs and supplier premiums, while West Asian oil has become more viable. Director (finance) Vetsa Ramakrishna Gupta said Russian grades made up about 37% of BPCL's crude in July-September, and volumes dipped slightly in October as the refiner was not getting good offers.