Ukraine to Cut Imports of Indian Diesel over Russian Oil Links
News September 16, 2025

Ukraine to Cut Imports of Indian Diesel over Russian Oil Links

Ukraine is restricting imports of diesel from India due to India’s continued purchases of Russian crude, which holds about a third of total Indian oil imports. Effective October 1, Ukraine will restrict imports of Indian diesel and will check samples of the diesel in laboratories to detect the presence of components typical of Russia’s crude grades, according to Ukrainian energy consultancy Enkorr cited by Reuters. Indian diesel accounted for about 18% of all Ukrainian diesel imports in August, according to Enkorr. Ukraine has...

Ukraine is set to significantly reduce its reliance on Indian diesel imports starting October 1st, a move directly linked to India's ongoing procurement of Russian crude oil. The decision highlights the complex global energy landscape and the ripple effects of the war in Ukraine.

According to Ukrainian energy consultancy Enkorr, cited by Reuters, Ukraine will be implementing stricter controls on diesel originating from India. This includes laboratory testing of diesel samples to identify components characteristic of Russian crude grades. The move is driven by concerns that a significant portion of Indian diesel is refined from Russian crude, which currently accounts for approximately a third of India's total oil imports.

The implications of this policy shift are substantial. In August, Indian diesel constituted approximately 18% of Ukraine's total diesel imports, making it a considerable source of fuel for the country. By restricting these imports, Ukraine aims to minimize its indirect support for the Russian economy and reduce its dependence on fuels derived from Russian resources.

The decision underscores Ukraine's commitment to isolating Russia economically in response to the ongoing conflict. While not an outright ban, the intensified scrutiny and potential rejection of diesel deemed to contain Russian components will likely discourage Ukrainian importers from sourcing fuel from India. This will likely force Ukraine to seek alternative diesel suppliers, potentially impacting prices and availability within the country.

The situation also puts India in a delicate position. While India has maintained a neutral stance on the conflict and continues to purchase Russian crude to meet its domestic energy needs, this decision by Ukraine highlights the potential consequences of this policy. It remains to be seen how India will respond to Ukraine's actions and whether it will adjust its crude oil sourcing strategies to avoid further complications in its trade relationships. The long-term impact on the global diesel market and the evolving dynamics between Ukraine, India, and Russia will be closely watched.
Category: Business