SINGAPORE

* Indian explorer ONGC Videsh ONVI.NS has sold a cargo of Russian Sokol crude loading in November at the highest premium in five months on robust demand in Asia, four trade sources said on Wednesday

* The 700,000-barrel cargo loading on Nov. 16-22 was sold to Shell at $5.28 a barrel above Dubai quotes, they said, up from a previous deal at a premium of $5.10-$5.20 a barrel

* This is the second November-loading cargo ONGC has sold via tenders this month

* Spot premiums for Russian and Middle East grades have hit multi-month highs in this month's trade as they are priced off Middle East benchmark Dubai which has become relatively cheaper than Brent DUB-EFS-1M

* Asia's demand for crude like Sokol, that yield more middle distillates, has also strengthened ahead of peak winter consumption

(Reporting by Florence Tan; editing by Richard Pullin) ((Florence.Tan@thomsonreuters.com; +65 6870 3497; Reuters Messaging: florence.tan.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))