Ukraine Simplifies Diesel Fuel Imports from Sanctioned Ports: Impact on Market and Prices

On August 18, 2026, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) granted the Energy Customs authority permission to facilitate the clearance of imported diesel fuel arriving from ports and terminals on the sanctions list. This decision means the cancellation of additional inspections and sampling for such cargo, which could significantly accelerate fuel deliveries to the Ukrainian market.

Cancellation of Additional Inspections

Previously, diesel fuel arriving from sanctioned ports and terminals was subject to additional origin checks. Now, under the new rules, such cargo will no longer undergo these procedures. Customs will also not take samples from such batches. This change aims to streamline logistics processes and speed up fuel deliveries, which is particularly relevant against the backdrop of global supply disruptions.

Impact on the Market

Changes in the clearance procedure may simplify fuel supplies from ports and terminals in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Specifically, during the first half of August, 22,000 tons of diesel fuel of Indian origin entered the Ukrainian market. This is twice as much as in the seven months since the beginning of the year. The company "BRSM-Naft" imported two batches of Indian diesel fuel totaling 12,000 tons from the Opet terminal in Marmara, Turkey. Another part of the resource came from the Oil Terminal in Constanța. At the end of July, 41,000 tons of Indian diesel fuel also arrived in Constanța from the Opet terminal.

Contradictory Data

Despite the simplified access of Indian diesel fuel to the Ukrainian market, traders expect demand for it to remain restrained. Some companies, including major Ukrainian gas station networks, do not want to deal with Indian or other fuel that was previously under sanctions. One of the operators of the Oil Terminal in Constanța noted that in early August, when the supply situation was more difficult, some clients were willing to buy even Indian fuel. However, upon the arrival of batches from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Greece, and Israel in Constanța, demand for Indian resources began to decline.

Global Context

The situation is also influenced by Russia's ban on exporting diesel fuel from ports, effective July 8. Therefore, additional origin checks for certain batches may lose practical meaning. Previously, the UK allowed the import of diesel and aviation fuel produced abroad from Russian oil. The decision was made against the backdrop of a surge in fuel prices due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Should you stock up on fuel now?

Read also: Should you stock up on fuel now? Why gas station prices have frozen and what drivers should fear in autumn. Changes in the clearance procedure may simplify fuel supplies from ports and terminals in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. Specifically, during the first half of August, 22,000 tons of diesel fuel of Indian origin entered the Ukrainian market. This is twice as much as in the seven months since the beginning of the year.