From Russian Oil to Western Markets: A Georgian Refinery Shifts Course
The Georgian company Black Sea Petroleum has announced that, starting in August or September, it will switch exclusively to processing non-Russian oil. The company stated that this move would enable access to more profitable export markets and help dispel suspicions regarding involvement in the circumvention of international sanctions.
This announcement follows months of speculation—during which the Kulevi oil terminal, located near the refinery and owned by the Azerbaijani company SOCAR, was considered for inclusion in the European Union’s 20th sanctions package. Ultimately, that did not happen; Georgian authorities and the terminal operator assured Brussels that they would comply with sanctions restrictions, including the ban on accepting vessels from sanctions lists and regulations concerning Russian oil.
Black Sea Petroleum also reported that it processed over 650,000 tons of feedstock in the first half of 2026, expanded its partnership with the US company Honeywell, and is preparing to launch production of road bitumen and aviation fuel in 2027.
However, a Western expert interviewed by OC Media on condition of anonymity suggested that Russian oil products likely continue to arrive via neighboring ports, although, in his view, the volumes involved are not significant.
