Russia has initiated diesel exports to Sudan as part of its strategy to explore new markets amid an embargo imposed by the European Union (EU).
Since the EU embargo on Russian oil product imports came into full effect in February 2023, diesel shipments have been redirected to various destinations, including Brazil, Turkey, countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as through ship-to-ship (STS) loadings.
According to data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), two fuel tankers, namely Pavo Rock and Conga, transported around 70,000 metric tons of ultra-low sulfur diesel to Sudan. These tankers were loaded in February at the Russian Baltic port of Primorsk and unloaded their cargoes at Port Sudan Al Khair Terminal on April 2 and April 5, respectively. Additionally, another vessel named Marabella Sun, loaded in March at the Russian Baltic port of Vysotsk, is currently en route to Port Sudan and is expected to arrive on April 17, based on LSEG data.
Despite efforts to seek clarification, Sudan’s petroleum ministry has not responded to requests for comment.
Analysts estimate that Sudan requires approximately 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel, equivalent to about 6,000 tons per day, to meet local demand. Currently, the country imports 60,000-70,000 metric tons of diesel per month, mainly from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In March, diesel arrivals in Sudan totaled approximately 116,000 metric tons, according to data from LSEG.
