Ukraine To Tighten Rules On Indian Diesel Imports From October Amid Concerns Over Russian Oil Links

International News: The Russia-Ukraine war has deeply affected the energy market. Ukraine, which once used to import diesel from Belarus and Russia, is now turning to alternatives like European countries and India. But Ukraine's security agencies have raised new doubts over Indian diesel, due to which strict monitoring of imported Indian diesel is going to begin. According to Ukrainian energy consultancy Encore, security agencies have issued orders that all diesel tankers coming from India will be tested in the lab. The purpose of this is to find out whether they contain components related to Russia. In fact, India buys Russian crude oil in large quantities and refines it and sells it in the international market. Because of this, Ukraine fears that Russia may indirectly have a stake in its imported diesel.

18% supply from India in August

According to Encore, in the month of August alone, Ukraine bought 1.19 lakh tonnes of diesel from India. This is about 18% of its total diesel supply. Before the war, Ukraine's needs were mainly met by Belarus and Russia. But after the war broke out in 2022 and sanctions were imposed on Russia, Ukraine turned to European countries. Now Indian diesel has become an important part of its energy needs.

Impact of attacks on oil refineries

The difficulties of the Ukrainian energy market have been further aggravated by Russian attacks. This summer, Russia carried out missile and drone attacks on a key Ukrainian refinery and several fuel storages. This severely affected domestic production and increased dependence on imports. According to energy consultancy A-95, traders started buying diesel from India to meet this shortage. Even the Ukrainian Defense Ministry bought Indian diesel because it met post-Soviet standards.

Decline in imports and challenges ahead

According to A-95 data, diesel imports in the first half of 2025 fell by 13% to 2.74 million metric tons compared to last year. Now that additional inspection conditions are being implemented on Indian diesel, difficulties for importers may increase further. It is a challenge for Ukraine to meet its energy needs, while Russia is constantly targeting its energy structures. In the coming times, Ukraine will have to try to diversify its energy sources further.