Turkey and Brazil Emerge as Primary Importers of Russian Seaborne Diesel and Gasoil in 2023

The European Union's imposition of sanctions on Russian diesel and gasoil exports in February 2023 had far-reaching consequences for global trade dynamics, with significant impacts observed in regions such as Turkey and Brazil. This embargo prompted an immediate reassessment of trade routes and destinations for Russian refined products, leading to notable increases in imports of Russian diesel and gasoil by various countries worldwide, including Turkey, Brazil, and nations across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. These imports were facilitated through ship-to-ship (STS) loadings, enabling the redirection of diesel cargoes from Russian ports to alternative destinations.

Throughout the preceding year, Russian diesel and gasoil exports to Turkey experienced a remarkable surge, with volumes reaching approximately 13.5 million metric tons, representing a substantial increase from the 5 million tons recorded in 2022. However, the precise distribution of this volume within Turkey remains uncertain, as it is unclear how much of it was retained domestically versus being re-exported to other destinations. Similarly, shipments of diesel from Russian ports to Brazil witnessed a significant upswing, soaring to approximately 6.5 million tons in 2023. This notable increase from the mere 74,000 tons recorded in the previous year underscores the shifting trade dynamics in response to the EU sanctions.

In January of the current year, Turkey maintained its position as the primary importer of Russian diesel and gasoil, with imports exceeding 1.5 million tons. Conversely, Brazil experienced a decline in imports from Russia, with figures dropping to approximately 460,000 tonnes. This decrease, down from the 1 million tons recorded in December 2023, is likely attributable to seasonal fluctuations in demand and supply dynamics within the Brazilian market.

In addition to Turkey and Brazil, Russian diesel exports extended to other key markets, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 2023, Russia's diesel exports to Saudi Arabia totaled around 1.9 million tons, while shipments to the United Arab Emirates reached nearly 1.6 million tonnes, showcasing the broad range of export destinations for Russian diesel products.

Furthermore, Russian diesel exports to African countries experienced a substantial surge throughout the past year, with volumes reaching 10.2 million tons, a significant increase from the 2.4 million tons recorded in 2022. Notable importers from the African continent included Morocco, Libya, Togo, Tunisia, and Ghana. This momentum continued into the early months of the current year, with diesel supplies from Russian ports to African countries totaling approximately 0.8 million tons in January.

Overall, the EU sanctions on Russian diesel and gasoil exports had widespread implications for global trade patterns, reshaping the dynamics of the international energy market and highlighting the importance of diversified supply chains and alternative sourcing strategies for countries reliant on Russian petroleum products. As geopolitical tensions persist, these developments underscore the need for adaptive and resilient approaches to energy security and trade management on a global scale.