Russia has initiated diesel exports to Sudan in North Africa as it explores new avenues for its refined oil products following an embargo by the European Union (EU).
Reuters reports that the EU’s comprehensive ban on Russian oil products, effective from February 2023, has compelled Russia to redirect its exports towards other markets such as Brazil, Turkey, and various countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
Data provided by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) indicates that two tankers, the Pavo Rock and the Conga, transported approximately 70,000 metric tons of ultra-low Sulphur diesel to Sudan.
This cargo was loaded in February at Primorsk, a Russian Baltic port, and subsequently arrived at Sudan’s Port Sudan Al Khair Terminal on April 2 and April 5, respectively, as per shipping records.
Moreover, a further shipment is en route to Sudan aboard the Marabella Sun, which was loaded in March at Vysotsk, another Russian Baltic port.
This vessel is scheduled to dock in Port Sudan and discharge its cargo on April 17, according to LSEG data.
An analyst noted that Sudan’s daily diesel requirement stands at about 45,000 barrels per day (bpd), equivalent to roughly 6,000 tonnes, to satisfy local consumption.
Historically, the country has imported between 60,000 and 70,000 metric tons of diesel each month, primarily from Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Russia now emerging as a new source.
