Why are Indian refiners changing export markets?

Indian refiners are rerouting exports due to new EU sanctions targeting refined products made from Russian crude oil, effective January 21, 2026.

What impact do EU sanctions have on India's diesel trade?

The EU sanctions are forcing Indian refiners to find new markets for diesel, leading to a resurgence of trade with countries like Sudan.

When will the EU sanctions on refined products take effect?

The European Union's sanctions package targeting refined products made from Russian crude oil comes into effect on January 21, 2026.

Home / Business and Economy / India's Diesel Heads to Africa Amid EU Sanctions

India's Diesel Heads to Africa Amid EU Sanctions

30 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Indian refiners reroute diesel exports due to EU sanctions.
Sudan resumes diesel imports from India after a year.
EU sanctions target refined products from Russian crude.

India's Diesel Heads to Africa Amid EU Sanctions

Indian refiners are pivoting their export strategies in response to impending European Union sanctions that target refined products derived from Russian crude oil. These new measures, effective January 21, 2026, are compelling Indian companies to seek alternative markets, with a notable shift towards Africa and Latin America.

The most significant development is the resumption of diesel exports to Sudan after a hiatus of over a year. Data indicates that 11 Medium Range tankers have been or are expected to be deployed to Port Sudan, reviving a trade route last active in mid-2023. This redirection signifies a direct impact of the EU's sanctions on global energy flows.

This strategic shift also affects other destinations, with Nayara Energy reportedly redirecting clean petroleum product exports toward Latin America and other regions. The EU's sanctions aim to curb Russia's hydrocarbon revenues, impacting countries like India and Turkey that have supplied substantial diesel volumes to Europe.