India has overtaken other countries to become the largest supplier of diesel fuel to Ukraine in July 2025, according to data from Ukrainian oil analytics firm NaftoRynok. The figures, reported by Ukrainian and international outlets including Swarajya, Financial Express, Business Today, and Ukrainian News, show that India accounted for 15.5% of Ukraine’s total diesel imports during the month.
Shipments from India averaged around 2,700 tonnes per day, a significant increase compared to July 2024, when India’s share was just 1.9%. This surge positions India ahead of traditional suppliers such as Slovakia and Romania, who continue to play a role in fueling Ukraine but fell behind in overall share.
The rise in Indian diesel exports to Ukraine comes against the backdrop of growing global scrutiny over New Delhi’s purchases of discounted Russian crude. Reports indicate that much of the diesel exported to Ukraine is refined in India from Russian-origin oil, underscoring the complex energy trade routes created by Western sanctions on Moscow.
The development has also coincided with heightened U.S. pressure on India. Earlier this month, the U.S. administration imposed punitive tariffs on Indian goods over its continued imports of Russian oil. Ironically, as Business Today highlighted, Ukraine—at war with Russia—has become increasingly reliant on diesel supplies originating from India.
While Kyiv has not publicly commented on the matter, analysts suggest that India’s growing role reflects both its expanding refining capacity and the shifting dynamics of global energy flows in the wake of sanctions.
