Indian refiners capitalise on global diesel shortage as October exports hit 13-month high

India’s diesel exports surged to a 13-month high in October 2026, averaging approximately 710,000 barrels per day (bpd) as domestic refiners aggressively capitalised on severe global fuel shortages and attractive refining margins. Preliminary vessel-tracking data from Kpler indicates that outbound shipments rose nearly 20% compared to September, driven by compounding supply constraints stemming from West Asian geopolitical tensions and refinery disruptions in Russia. Reliance Industries led the surge, accounting for roughly 78% of total national shipments from its massive Jamnagar complex, while public sector refiners like Indian Oil Corporation and MRPL also significantly ramped up overseas despatches. Energy analysts note that India’s advanced refining capacity and flexible crude sourcing—including discounted feedstock inputs—allow domestic refiners to act as crucial swing suppliers to international markets facing severe product deficits, though rising seasonal domestic demand is expected to moderate export volumes in the coming months, said a report.

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