New Delhi, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India is emerging as a major supplier of diesel to Europe as Russian exports remain severely constrained and shipments from the US begin to weaken, according to energy intelligence firm Vortexa.
Vortexa data showed that Indian refiners accounted for around 60 per cent of diesel volumes transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb route to Europe in August.
Around 200,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel, or gasoil, passed through the strategically important shipping route in August on vessels bound for Europe. The volume was close to year-ago levels after flows through the route had nearly stalled in March and April.
India’s growing role is supported by its substantial refining capacity. The country is the world’s fourth-largest refiner, with installed capacity of 258.1 million tonnes per annum, significantly above domestic fuel demand. This surplus has enabled Indian refiners to remain major exporters of petroleum products.
India exported 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products during 2025-26, with refined fuels increasingly reaching European markets and, in some instances, Russia as sanctions, refinery disruptions and changing global trade routes reshape supply chains.
However, the sustainability of India’s expanding role in Europe’s diesel market could face pressure from tighter crude supplies. Vortexa data showed crude and condensate shipments into India fell for a second consecutive month in August to around 3.8 million bpd, compared with 4.8 million bpd a year earlier.
Europe’s diesel supply situation remains particularly tight as Russian exports, once a major source for the region, have stayed largely absent. Russia’s seaborne diesel and gasoil exports averaged only around 150,000 bpd during the first 25 days of August, down about 610,000 bpd year-on-year and 81 per cent below the five-year seasonal average, Vortexa said.
Even the lifting or partial relaxation of Russian diesel export restrictions from September 1 may not immediately restore supplies. Continued Ukrainian drone attacks have disrupted Russian refineries and export infrastructure, with Vortexa recording 32 refinery attacks during July and August.
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