Ukraine has decided to stop importing diesel from India starting October 1st. The reason cited for this decision is India's oil imports from Russia. Ukraine will conduct laboratory tests on the diesel to ensure no Russian components are present.
World Update: International pressure regarding India's Russian oil imports is steadily increasing. Amidst this, Ukraine has taken a significant step by halting the purchase of diesel from India. According to Enkorr, a Ukrainian energy consultancy firm, the ban on diesel imports from India will come into effect from October 1st. This restriction is being specifically imposed in light of India's oil purchases from Russia.
Enkorr has also stated that Ukraine will conduct laboratory tests on the diesel purchased from India. The purpose of these tests is to ensure that no Russian components are present in the Indian diesel.
Ukraine's Decision on Diesel Purchases from India
According to Enkorr's report, another Ukrainian consultancy, A-95, had stated that a Ukrainian oil refinery had to be shut down this summer. Due to this, Ukraine had to import diesel fuel from India to meet the domestic diesel shortage. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defense had also purchased fuel from India, as its quality was considered good. However, Ukraine is now going to stop buying diesel from India. The reason for this is believed to be India's oil imports from Russia.
Attacks on Oil Refineries and Storage in Ukraine
Russian drone and missile attacks in Ukraine have caused significant damage to oil refineries and storage facilities. Due to the closure of refineries, the country was forced to import diesel from external sources. Considering the quality of Indian diesel, Ukraine imported 119,000 tons of diesel in August 2025, which accounted for 18 percent of its total diesel imports.
Why Test Indian Diesel?
According to Enkorr, Ukrainian security agencies have ordered that all diesel purchased from India be tested. The objective is to determine if Russian components are present in the diesel. Ukraine wants to ensure that the diesel coming from India is completely clean and meets standards.
Russia-Ukraine War and India's Oil Imports
Before the war between Russia and Ukraine began in February 2022, Ukraine imported diesel from Belarus and Russia. Since the war started, Ukraine began purchasing fuel from European countries. According to an A-95 report, in the first half of the year, diesel imports decreased by 13 percent year-on-year, with total imports reaching 2.74 million metric tons. India is among Russia's major oil buyers, importing approximately 35-40 percent of its crude oil requirements from Russia.
US Pressure on India
The US is continuously exerting pressure in an effort to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Sanctions on Russia have been increased, and countries trading with Russia have also been targeted. India has been particularly scrutinized because it purchases oil from Russia.
The US states that India's purchase of oil from Russia is helping Russia continue the war in Ukraine. For this reason, the US wants India to stop importing oil from Russia.
US Imposes Tariffs
Despite international pressure, India continued to buy oil from Russia to meet its energy needs. This angered the US, which announced an additional 25 percent tariff on Indian exports, on top of an existing 25 percent tariff. Furthermore, heavy tariffs were imposed on India's textile, jewelry, and other industries from August 27th, causing economic damage to these sectors.
