Latest News

Some Urals flows to Asia diverted through Africa, India remains leading location

At least three tankers with Russian Urals oil on board picked a longer path to Asia around the Africa's Cape of Great Hope in March and April as military risks in the Red Sea stay high, 2 traders stated and LSEG information revealed.

2 tankers, Fos Picasso and Hydra, bring some 200,000 metric lots of Urals oil packed from Baltic in April went to India around Africa, while the vast bulk of the vessels with Russian oil have actually been selecting the shorter path by means of Suez channel and Red Sea, LSEG information shows.

Many ships bring Russian items travel by means of the Red Sea as they sweep away risks of Houthi attacks and are less worried than Western shipping companies. Some ships are specifically signalling Russian crew onboard so that the ship is not struck by mistake.

Higher cost of the trip around Africa is largely offset by lower insurance costs, however it takes two additional weeks to provide crude from Baltic ports to India through the path around Africa's Cape of Good Hope, a source with a direct knowledge of the matter said.

Asia, particularly India and China, are the primary markets for Russian oil after an EU embargo in 2022, and lower shipping expenses are crucial for the oil business.

In April, India remained the biggest destination for Russian Urals crude. At least 60% of cargoes of the grade filling from the state's western ports in April are going there, while the last destination of some freights heading to Asia has yet to emerge, LSEG and traders data show.

Turkey was the second biggest destination point with about 15% of oil supplies. Big quantity of oil from Russian ports are provided to Turkey's STAR refinery run by Azerbaijan's. SOCAR.

China was the 3rd biggest destination for Russian Urals. oil in April. China remains the biggest purchaser of Russian Far. East oil grades like ESPO Blend and Sokol.

Total oil loadings from Russia's western ports in April,. including Urals, KEBCO and Siberian Light crude, loafed. 9.5 million tonnes, consisting of some 8.7 million tonnes of Urals.

Last month Russia filled some 6.8 million tonnes of Urals. from its Baltic ports of Primorsk and Ust-Luga, trader's information. and calculations showed.