RismadarVoice Reporters, August 31, 2026
Diesel shipments from Asia to Africa are expected to reach their highest level in more than four years in August as buyers turn to alternative suppliers following a decline in fuel exports from the Middle East, market data has shown.
According to shipping trackers and trade sources, Asian countries, including India, are projected to send between 1.8 million and 2 million metric tonnes of diesel to Africa this month, equivalent to about 13.4 million to 14.9 million barrels.
The increase comes as Middle East diesel supplies to Africa have fallen sharply amid rising shipping risks linked to tensions in key waterways, including the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Strait of Hormuz.
Data from LSEG, Kpler and market sources showed that Middle East diesel exports to Africa dropped to between 600,000 and 800,000 tonnes in August, the lowest level in nearly nine years.
Africa previously relied heavily on Middle Eastern supplies, with about half of its diesel imports coming from the region last year. Saudi Arabia accounted for a significant portion of those shipments.
Trade sources said reduced refinery operations at some Saudi Aramco facilities, including the Jazan refinery, have further limited Saudi diesel exports to African markets. Shipments from Jazan to Africa fell to zero in August after reaching 163,000 tonnes in July, according to Kpler data.
Analysts said Asian refiners have increased exports to Africa due to favourable market conditions and wider price differences between Asian and Western markets.
Energy analysts noted that the disruption of Middle East supply routes following the U.S.-Iran conflict and attacks linked to Yemen’s Houthi movement have created opportunities for Asian suppliers to fill the gap.
“Assuming Saudi tankers continue avoiding Bab el-Mandeb due to the Houthi threat, East Africa will mainly need to keep pulling barrels from Asia,” Energy Aspects senior oil products analyst Alex Yap said.
Asia’s diesel supply has also improved due to increased refinery operations and the resumption of exports from China, helping maintain the flow of fuel to African markets.
Asian refiners recorded stronger diesel margins in August, averaging about $66 per barrel compared with $61 per barrel in July, encouraging higher production levels.
Meanwhile, Singapore’s diesel cash premium has eased to around $4 per barrel, its lowest level in a month, as increased spot availability reduces market pressure.
The shift in diesel trade flows highlights changing patterns in global energy markets as African buyers seek more reliable fuel sources amid ongoing geopolitical and shipping challenges.
