AS Sahney Eyes Africa and Europe for Indian Oil Exports

Indian Oil Corporation is sharpening its focus on Africa and Europe for petro exports as it builds out a massive refining and petrochemicals push, CMD AS Sahney said in new comments to the press today. India’s largest refiner, which now mainly sells at home, plans to use its growing output to tap fast‑emerging overseas markets where demand is rising.

Right now, Indian Oil runs about 80.75 million tonnes per year of refining capacity, with exports contributing only around 5.5% of total sales in the first half of this financial year.

By 2028, that figure is set to climb to 98.4 million tonnes as part of a strategic expansion that will lay the groundwork for much larger diesel and petrochemical shipments abroad. “India is expanding its refining capacity… Domestic (fuel consumption) growth is at 4–5 per cent. We have to go for exports, mainly diesel,” Sahney said.

Also Read: Smart Factory Strategies for Agile Electronics Manufacturing

The company is boosting three major refineries: Panipat’s output is being raised from 15 to 25 mmtpa, Gujarat’s Koyali from about 13.7 to 18 mmtpa, and Barauni’s expansion to 9 mmtpa is nearing completion. IOC also aims to triple its petrochemical production to about 13 mmtpa by 2030, pushing more value‑added products into global trade.

Sahney stressed that global geopolitics and shifting crude flows make diversification vital. Indian Oil is broadening its crude sources beyond traditional suppliers to countries like Guyana and Brazil to keep supply steady and competitive.

Industry watchers say export markets in Africa and Europe are opening up as policy changes reshape fuel trade patterns, making this push timely for long‑term growth in both refining and petrochemicals.

This comes as Indian refiners also adjust diesel export plans and expand retail networks at home, pointing to a broader overseas growth strategy under way.