India's tanker exports surged more than six-fold to USD 1.36 billion in the first quarter of FY27 (April-June 2026-27), with the United Arab Emirates emerging as the leading market, according to data reported by the Economic Times.
Tankers are large-scale transport ships engineered for the bulk movement of liquids and gases. They serve as a cornerstone of global energy networks and industrial supply chains, safely distributing crude oil, petroleum products, chemicals, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and fresh water, the report noted.
Export volumes also expanded significantly from 10 vessels to 23 vessels, reflecting increasing international demand for Indian-built tankers and marine transportation assets.
UAE and Gulf markets lead
The UAE accounted for USD 900.8 million worth of tanker imports from India in April-June 2026-27. Shipments to the UAE increased dramatically from USD 103.6 million to USD 900.8 million, while the number of exported vessels rose from four to seven, the data showed.
Shipments to Oman increased sharply from USD 28.6 million to USD 131.6 million. Exports to Saudi Arabia, which contributed USD 35.6 million in the previous year, highlight the region's continuing importance as a market for maritime assets. Together, Gulf economies accounted for a substantial share of India's tanker exports, reflecting strong demand from energy and shipping sectors.
Diversification into new markets
Outbound shipments to Sri Lanka rose from USD 7.9 million to USD 56.5 million. The report also recorded new shipments to:
- Egypt: USD 39.3 million
- South Africa: USD 34.2 million
- Vietnam: USD 31.5 million
- Indonesia: USD 12.2 million
- Mozambique: USD 7.7 million
The diversification of export destinations indicates growing acceptance of Indian-built tankers across Asia, Africa and the Middle East, an official said.
Comparative export values
| Destination | Q1 FY27 value | Previous year value |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | USD 900.8 million | USD 103.6 million |
| Oman | USD 131.6 million | USD 28.6 million |
| Sri Lanka | USD 56.5 million | USD 7.9 million |
| Saudi Arabia | Not stated | USD 35.6 million |
| Egypt | USD 39.3 million | New shipment |
| South Africa | USD 34.2 million | New shipment |
| Vietnam | USD 31.5 million | New shipment |
| Indonesia | USD 12.2 million | New shipment |
| Mozambique | USD 7.7 million | New shipment |
India's shipbuilding capabilities
"The growth in exports of tankers highlights India's increasing capabilities in the high-value shipbuilding sector," an official said, according to the Economic Times. The report added that strong demand from the UAE, Singapore and other maritime economies, coupled with rising vessel deliveries from Indian shipyards, demonstrates India's growing role in global maritime trade and commercial shipping.
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