Turkey, a vital strategic ally of Pakistan, significantly increased its diesel imports from India in August 2026, achieving the highest volume from New Delhi in several years. As traditional fuel supplies from Russia decline and issues in the Middle East persist, India has become a critical alternative source of diesel for Turkey.

In August 2026, Turkish imports of Indian diesel surged to over 120,000 barrels per day (bpd), marking a dramatic rise as Russian diesel supplies dropped sharply. This prompted Turkey to seek fuel alternatives beyond its traditional supplier, Russia. According to data from commodities research firm Kpler, this was the highest level of Indian diesel imports recorded since 2017.

Meanwhile, Turkey’s diesel imports from Russia fell to approximately 80,000 bpd in August, down from more than 200,000 bpd in the first half of the year. The shift in Turkey’s import strategy comes at a time when the global market for refined fuels is undergoing significant changes, prompting refiners and traders to look for new sources.

Impact of Supply Chain Disruptions

Russia has historically been the dominant supplier of diesel to Turkey, providing about 85% of its imports in 2025, with volumes reaching around 281,000 bpd. Recent geopolitical tensions and military actions have limited Russia’s capacity to export diesel, leading to tighter fuel supplies for Turkey.

The disruptions in Russia were exacerbated by attacks on its refineries, which have led to reduced domestic fuel availability. Simultaneously, war-related issues in the Middle East have affected regional refineries and shipping routes, particularly those through the Strait of Hormuz. These conditions have compelled Turkish buyers to explore options further afield to secure adequate fuel supplies.

In addition to India’s rising role in diesel supply, the United States has also seen increased shipments to Turkey, exporting around 90,000 bpd in August, highlighting the diversification of Turkey’s import sources amidst an increasingly fragmented market.

India’s Growing Export Capacity

Despite being a net importer of crude oil, India possesses substantial refining capabilities, enabling it to process imported crude into high-value products such as diesel. This operational capacity has become vital in the context of current disruptions affecting Russian and Middle Eastern supplies.

According to Crisil Intelligence, India’s petroleum exports saw a year-on-year increase of 46% from April to August 2026, while overall merchandise exports rose by 18.8%. This recovery in exports comes after three years of decline, reflecting India’s growing importance in the international fuel market.

Data shows that India exported 562,421 tonnes of diesel to Turkey in 2025, ranking as Turkey’s third-largest supplier after Russia and Egypt. The volume of diesel shipments fluctuated in previous years but has recently surged significantly. In 2023, India exported 397,761 tonnes to Turkey compared to 330,990 tonnes in 2022, underscoring the volatility and changing dynamics of the trade.

As India increases its diesel exports, it also remains a significant buyer of Russian crude. This dual role allows India to navigate complex trade relationships while supplying refined products globally, meeting the demands of markets seeking alternatives amid supply shortages.

The geopolitical landscape further influences trade dynamics, especially with new US sanctions targeting countries buying Russian-origin crude. These sanctions may compel nations like Turkey to enhance their diversification efforts, making India’s role in the diesel supply chain even more crucial.

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