In July 2025, India emerged as Ukraine’s largest diesel supplier, accounting for 15.5% of total imports. With daily shipments averaging 2,700 tonnes, India has rapidly established itself as a key energy partner for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict and supply chain disruptions.
Growth Compared to Last Year
India’s role has grown sharply compared to July 2024, when its share stood at just 1.9%. Between January and July 2025, India averaged a 10.2% market share, before surging past all competitors in July.
Key Supply Routes
Most of India’s diesel shipments reached Ukraine through two main routes:
- Danube River corridor via Romania
- Turkey’s Marmara Ereğlisi OPET terminal
These routes have helped bypass some of the logistical and geopolitical barriers posed by sanctions and wartime risks.
Global Market Context
India overtook traditional suppliers like Slovakia, Greece, Turkey, and Lithuania in July 2025. The global diesel market has shifted due to sanctions on Russian energy, U.S. trade actions, and Ukraine’s urgent wartime demand for steady fuel supplies.
Geopolitical Implications
The milestone comes shortly after the U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on Indian goods, citing India’s continued imports of Russian crude oil. Ironically, much of the diesel exported by India may originate from crude bought at discounted rates from Russia. This paradox highlights the complex global interdependencies of energy trade.
Outlook for India-Ukraine Energy Relations
As Ukraine looks for reliable energy partners, India’s refining capacity and strategic shipping networks put it in a strong position to continue supplying diesel in the months ahead. However, rising geopolitical tensions, U.S. tariffs, and supply chain risks may shape the sustainability of this trend.
