The United States has surpassed Kuwait to become India's sixth-largest oil supplier as it supplied 70% more crude to the world's third-largest energy consumer during April-September.

According to data furnished by the oil ministry to the parliamentary committee, the US supplied 5.4 million tonnes of crude oil during the first six months of 2019-20.

Iraq continues to be India's top crude oil supplier, meeting close to one-fourth of the country's oil needs.

Iraq sold 26 million tonnes of crude oil to India during April to September.

Saudi Arabia has traditionally been India's top oil source, but it was for the first time dethroned by Iraq in the 2017-18 fiscal year.

Saudi Arabia, which has since then been relegated to the second spot, exported 20.7 million tonnes of crude oil in first six months.

India stopped importing crude oil from Iran following the reimposition of economic sanctions in May by the US, pushing down imports from the Persian Gulf nation to just 1.7 million tonnes.

Iran supplied 23.9 million tonnes in fully 2018-19 fiscal. Nigeria grabbed the third spot vacated by Iran.

The African nation supplied 9.9 million tonnes of crude oil in April-September.

It was followed by the UAE with 8.9 million tonnes of supplies and Venezuela with 8 million tonnes of sales.