Oil refiners in India — eager to keep importing cheap crude from Russia — are working with merchants, shippers and other middlemen to rebuild supply chains as tougher US sanctions come into effect.

An oil tanker carrying crude from a Russian producer that was recently sanctioned by the US has been floating off West Coast of India for two days, raising a question about whether authorities in the south Asian country will allow the vessel to deliver its cargo.

Indian oil refiners are restructuring supply chains with new entities and shipping arrangements to continue importing Russian crude amid stricter US sanctions. Despite challenges, including blacklisted sellers and tankers,