Saudi Arabia became the main importer of fuel oil from Russia in June

The countries of the Middle East and Asia remain the main buyers of fuel oil and VGO from Russian ports.

Saudi Arabia became the largest export destination for Russian fuel oil and vacuum gas oil in June, writes Reuters.

Thus, in June, direct supplies of these petroleum products from Russian ports to Saudi Arabia increased by 9% compared to May – to 800 thousand tons. The increase is explained by increased energy consumption due to the summer heat.

At the same time, supplies to India and Turkey decreased significantly. In particular, India received 340 thousand tons of fuel oil and VGO – 49% less, and Turkey – 280 thousand tons, which is 33% less than in May.

Another important destination was the Egyptian Ain Sokhna – a large fuel hub, where almost 400 thousand tons of fuel were delivered. Other recipients of Russian fuel oil included Singapore, Senegal and China.

After the risks in the Red Sea increased since December 2023 due to Houthi attacks, tankers from Russia began to choose the route around the Cape of Good Hope. In June, only two ships with 180 thousand tons of fuel oil headed to Asia this way.