India’s diesel exports to Europe jumped 137% year-on-year in August, reaching 242,000 barrels per day (bpd). The sharp rise comes as European buyers step up purchases ahead of the European Union’s ban on fuels refined from Russian crude, which is set to take effect in January 2026.
The ban is expected to significantly reshape trade flows, as Indian refiners — particularly Reliance Industries, the country’s largest processor of Russian crude and a major fuel exporter — could lose access to the European market once the restrictions are enforced. Reliance has been one of the key suppliers meeting Europe’s demand since sanctions on Russian oil began.
Industry analysts suggest that the current surge reflects Europe’s strategy to stock up on affordable supplies while it still can. However, with the looming embargo, India’s refiners may soon need to diversify export destinations and explore alternative markets to offset potential losses from Europe.
