India's refined product exports head for 1.55 million barrels a day in July, the second highest on record

According to data compiled by a commodity analytics firm and published in July 2026, India's exports of light and middle distillates are on track to reach about 1.55 million barrels a day this month, the second-highest level in the same provider's records dating back to 2017 and nearly double the 866,000 barrels a day recorded in May.

A shortage of refined products across Asia following the Strait of Hormuz disruption has lifted refining margins, and Indian refiners, leaning on Russian crude, have been able to keep their operating rates high.

At the same time, the Indian government roughly doubled export duties on diesel and jet fuel for the 16 to 31 July 2026 window, citing the Hormuz crisis. The diesel duty rose to 15.5 rupees per litre and jet fuel to 14.5 rupees, while the duty on gasoline was cut. Through its supply of refined products to regional markets, India has become a key player in filling West Asia's fuel gap.