Türkiye diversifies sources of diesel as conflicts disrupt global supply

Türkiye diversifies sources of diesel as conflicts disrupt global supply
A truck drives past a petrol station near Kirikhan, Hatay province, 12 September 2013.
Reuters

Türkiye has dramatically increased diesel imports from the United States and India this month as Russian supplies have been diminished and Middle East energy flows disrupted.

According to commodities data firm Kpler, Türkiye imported more than 120,000 barrels per day (bpd) of diesel from India this month, while shipments from the United States stood at about 90,000 bpd.

Both figures represent the highest monthly volumes from the two countries since Kpler began tracking the data in 2017.

The increase marks a significant shift in Türkiye’s fuel supply, as importers seek alternatives to Russia, which has traditionally dominated the Turkish diesel market.

Energy Aspects, another provider of energy-flow data, estimated lower shipments in August, putting deliveries at about 74,000 bpd from India and 70,000 from the United States.

Yet despite the difference, the figures still show shipments from both countries at multi-year highs.

Russian export ban

Türkiye’s supply diversification follows Moscow’s recent decision to restrict diesel exports after repeated Ukrainian strikes disrupted refinery operations and reduced domestic fuel supplies.

Russia imposed its export ban in July, later extending restrictions on producers through the end of August.

According to industry sources, Moscow is planning to extend the ban further - through September - as some refineries remain offline, with a possible extension until the end of the year also under discussion.

Drivers in Moscow face fuel shortages as countries go beyond Russia for supplies, 27 August 2026.
Anadolu Agency
Disruptions amid Middle East conflict

Türkiye is also facing disruptions to Middle Eastern energy flows caused by the U.S.-Iran conflict.

Damage to regional refining capacity and diminished traffic through the Strait of Hormuz have both reduced global supplies of refined fuels, including diesel.

The combined disruptions have served to accelerate Türkiye’s move away from Russian diesel.

Kpler data showed Russian diesel shipments to Türkiye falling to about 80,000 bpd in August, compared with more than 200,000 bpd during the first months of the year.

Consequently, Russia’s share of Turkish diesel imports has dropped to around 20 per cent.

This is a dramatic reversal from 2025, when Russia supplied 85 per cent of Türkiye’s total diesel imports, averaging about 281,000 bpd.

The changing trade flows underscore how conflicts in both Ukraine and the Middle East are reshaping global energy markets and forcing major importers - including Türkiye - to diversify their suppliers.

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