Ukraine to cut diesel imports from India over Russian links – Reuters
Ukraine will restrict imports of Indian diesel from October 1 over concerns that it contains components of Russian origin, Reuters reported on Monday, citing Ukrainian energy consultancy Enkor.
Samples of Indian-origin diesel will be tested to identify any potential presence of components commonly found in Russian crude oil, according to the news agency.
Ukraine relies on fuel imports as a key oil refinery in Kremenchug has been damaged in the conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian oil market analytics firm NaftoRynok reported last month that India supplied 15.5% of the country’s diesel imports in July 2025, with the average daily volume reaching about 2,700 tons. This led to media commentary that Kiev was paying Moscow indirectly for its diesel since Russia provides almost 40% of India’s crude imports.
Since 2023, India has emerged as a major exporter of refined fuels to Europe. Indian private firms purchase Russian crude at discounted prices and then sell processed fuel products to European markets.
Indian diesel rose to 18% of Ukraine’s total imports of the fuel in August, according to Enkor.
Earlier this month, Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelensky said US President Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% penalty tariffs on India for buying Russian oil was the “right” thing to do. He also claimed that “additional pressure” was needed on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The EU, a key backer of Kiev, is weighing its 19th package of sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict, which will also include countries that the bloc claims are helping Moscow bypass Western restrictions, according to multiple media reports.
Indian Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has said the South Asian nation will “undoubtedly be buying Russian oil.” Earlier this month, she reiterated New Delhi’s policy that India’s oil purchases are driven by its own economic priorities and not external pressure.
