India and China are currently the largest single buyers of Russian crude oil. From a very low base at the beginning of the year, India's imports of Russian oil have skyrocketed, reaching a peak in June and July and largely maintaining these levels through November. China and India now account for two-thirds of all crude exports by sea from Russia, with China also receiving at least half of all crude exports via pipeline.
Pakistan desires the same crude oil discount as India and China. And it expect that the West would not have a problem with Pakistan purchasing oil at a discount from Russia at a time when the nation is financial hardships due to recent devastating floods
However, Russia rejected Pakistan's request for a 30–40% discount on Russian crude oil, stating that it could not offer a discount because all available volumes were already committed.
According to Pakistani media, during discussions in Moscow, a Pakistani delegation led by State Minister for Petroleum Musadik Malik, a joint secretary, and officials from the Pakistan Embassy in Moscow requested a discount.
But the talks ended without a clear conclusion, however the Russian government assured Pakistan that it would consider its request and communicate its decision through diplomatic channels later.
Sources indicate that, at the appropriate time, Russia will be able to offer crude oil at the same prices it offers to its large client countries with stable economies. Currently, all volumes have been sold to large buyers.
