"If we take oil supplies to India, they increased 22 times last year. Deliveries to China and other markets increased [as well]," Novak told a meeting of the Russian Energy Ministry.
Russian Energy Minister Nikolay Shulginov also said on Tuesday that Moscow has managed to completely redirect the entire volume of oil exports that fell under embargo by the West, there was no decrease in sales.
"In connection with the sanctions, it is important not only to maintain the level of oil production and refining, but also the level of exports, and, accordingly, federal budget revenues ... For this, work is underway to reorient the supply of oil and oil products to the countries of Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East. Today we already can state that we managed to completely redirect the entire volume of exports that fell under the embargo, there was no decrease in sales," Shulginov said on Tuesday.
After Russia began its military operation in Ukraine a year ago, Ukraine's allies actively searched for ways to limit Moscow’s energy-related income, notably from oil and gas. The effort culminated in a $60 price cap imposed by the G7 member states and Australia on 5 December.
In response to the price cap, Moscow banned the supply of Russian oil and petroleum products if contracts directly or indirectly provide for a price cap, in a decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in late December.
India maintains that oil purchases from Russia are need to ensure the country's energy security needs.