India is playing an increasingly important role in Europe’s diesel market as Russian exports remain constrained and US shipments weaken. Indian refiners supplied around 60% of the diesel and gasoil transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb toward Europe in August, according to Vortexa data.
Around 200,000 barrels per day of diesel and gasoil moved through the strategic shipping route toward Europe during the month, with volumes recovering close to year-earlier levels after almost stalling in March and April.
Russian diesel exports have remained sharply below normal levels amid refinery disruptions and geopolitical tensions, while US shipments to Europe also declined during the second half of August. This has increased Europe’s reliance on alternative suppliers, with Indian refineries helping fill the emerging supply gap.
India exported 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products in FY2025-26, supported by refining capacity of about 258.1 million tonnes per year. However, tighter crude availability could limit the ability of Indian refiners to sustain elevated diesel exports for an extended period.
The shift highlights India’s growing importance in global refined-fuel trade as disruptions to traditional supply routes reshape diesel flows to Europe ahead of the winter demand season.