India Becomes Key Diesel Supplier to Europe

India has emerged as a crucial supplier of diesel to Europe, providing about 60 percent of the fuel transiting the Bab-el-Mandeb strait to the region in August, according to data from energy analytics firm Vortexa. The development comes as Russian diesel exports remain severely constrained and shipments from the United States have begun to decline, leaving Europe increasingly reliant on Indian refiners to meet its needs. Approximately 200,000 barrels per day of diesel, or gasoil, moved through the key Red Sea shipping route to Europe last month, a volume close to year-earlier levels after flows had nearly stalled in March and April. Indian refineries supplied roughly 60 percent of that volume, making them an increasingly important source of Europe's eastern diesel supply. India is the world's fourth-largest refiner, with an installed capacity of 258.1 million tonnes per annum, which exceeds domestic fuel demand. In the 2025-26 fiscal year, India exported 61.5 million tonnes of petroleum products, establishing it as one of the largest exporters of refined products globally. However, questions remain about whether India can sustain this level of exports.