India's diesel exports to Europe surge 137% in August ahead of looming EU ban on Russian-linked fuel

India’s diesel exports to Europe jumped in August as buyers sought to secure supplies ahead of a European Union ban on fuels refined from Russian crude due early next year, reported The Economic Times on Friday, citing data from shipping analytics firms.

Analysts said that the surge was because of stronger seasonal demand, refinery outages and the impact of impending sanctions.

The EU in July approved rules requiring importers, from January 21, 2026, to certify that refined fuel was not produced using Russian crude. Banks will also be barred from financing trade in fuels likely made from Russian oil.

Western sanctions to date have restricted direct imports of Russian oil but not refined products made from it abroad, a loophole campaigners say has allowed Moscow to keep funding its war in Ukraine.

Reliance Industries, India’s biggest refiner and exporter, has been among the largest processors of Russian crude.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday reportedly urged European allies to halt Russian oil purchases and impose more economic costs on China in a call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and other leaders.

Washington has also doubled tariffs on most Indian goods to 50%, which it says is in response to India’s continued purchases of discounted Russian crude. India imported 1.6 million bpd of Russian oil in July, more than 30% of its total.

The ministry of external affairs has called the US move “extremely unfortunate,” saying energy imports are guided by its need to ensure security for its 1.4 billion citizens. It asserted India would take “all actions necessary” to safeguard its national interests.