NEW DELHI, March 20 Reuters India39;s import of Russian oil edged up in February over January, reversing declines seen in the past two months, data from industry sources showed on Wednesday, as refiners received some parcels of Russian light sweet Sokol grade.

The world39;s third biggest oil importer and consumer, India has been gorging on Russian oil since the West imposed sanctions on Moscow for its invasion on Ukraine in February 2022.

The South Asian nation emerged as the top buyer of Russian oil in 2023 after some entities and nations retreated from purchases in December 2022.

Last month, Indian refiners imported 1.51 million barrels per day bpd of Russian oil, a rise of about 2.8 from January, the data showed. That was about 12.2 lower than the corresponding month a year ago.

Russian oil made up about 32 of India39;s overall oil imports in February, compared with 28 the previous month, the data showed.

India39;s Russian oil imports in recent months were hit by payment problems and tougher U.S. sanctions, targeting entities and ships involved in the sale of Russian crude at above the price cap of 60 a barrel fixed by G7 nations.

India39;s overall imports last month declined 10 from January to 4.72 million bpd, the data showed. That decline is steeper than preliminary government data as it included some parcels that arrived in February and were discharged in March.

The share of South American nations in India39;s total oil imports in February rose because of…