New Delhi, June 21 -- India's imports of Russian crude are averaging 2.66 million barrels per day (mbpd) in June, up nearly 40% from May, lifting Moscow's share of the country's oil purchases to about 50% as refiners continued to favour discounted barrels amid disruptions in West Asia.

Russian crude arrivals averaged 1.91 mbpd in May and more than doubled the 1.04 mbpd imported in February, when Russian supplies were disrupted by US sanctions, according to data from trade intelligence firm Kpler.

The increase has cemented Russia's position as India's largest crude supplier at a time when concerns over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz have prompted buyers to secure supplies from alternative sources and routes.

"India's imports rema...