India's Petroleum Product Exports to Africa Surge 110% in May 2026; Overall Shipments Decline 3.6%

India's exports of refined petroleum products to Africa increased sharply in May as demand from Asian markets softened, according to data from commodity analytics firm Kpler. 

Exports to Africa stood at 370,000 barrels per day (bpd), up from 176,000 bpd in April, a 110% month-on-month increase.  

The data showed that Africa accounted for a larger share of India's refined fuel exports during the month, while exports to Asian markets declined compared with April. 

Overall Shipments See a Marginal Decline 

India's total exports of refined petroleum products were 937,000 bpd in May, down 3.6% from the previous month. The fall in overall shipments came despite higher exports to Africa and Europe. 

The decline was attributed to planned maintenance at Reliance Industries' Jamnagar refinery complex.  

Refiners also adjusted operations to increase liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production for the domestic market, which affected export volumes of other petroleum products. 

Regional Supply Conditions Change Export Pattern 

Kpler said improved refinery operations across Asia reduced the region's requirement for imported petroleum products.  

At the same time, China's crude oil demand fell to its lowest level in a decade, increasing crude availability for other Asian refiners. 

Higher refinery throughput across the region lowered import demand, leading to a change in India's export destinations.  

During May, exports to Europe also rose sharply to 66,000 bpd from the previous month, registering a 525% increase. 

Export Duty Structure Continues 

The government had introduced export duties on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel (ATF) on March 27 to support domestic fuel availability amid the West Asia crisis.  

The current export duty stands at ₹1.5 per litre on petrol, ₹13.5 per litre on diesel and ₹9.5 per litre on ATF. 

Read More: Finance Ministry Seeks Detailed Data from Banks on Gold Metal Loans and Gold-Backed Loans from 2023! 

Conclusion 

India's petroleum exports in May are indicative of a change in destination markets, with Africa accounting for a larger share of shipments, while overall exports declined slightly due to refinery maintenance and operational adjustments. 

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