Morocco’s diesel supply faces pressure as Russia extends export curbs and US sales come under threat
The diesel crisis is affecting two of Morocco’s suppliers: Russia, which is extending its export restrictions, and the United States, which has threatened to limit sales. With no refinery operating since the shutdown of Samir, the kingdom depends on cargoes available on the international market.
In an analysis published on October 2 by Al Jazeera, energy expert Yahya Hammad ranks Morocco among the Arab countries most vulnerable to possible US restrictions. He highlights the country’s dependence on imports and notes that it receives fuel from both the United States and Russia.
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This exposure has grown as Moscow has taken on a greater role in Morocco’s supplies. In the first half of 2026, Russia supplied the kingdom with 1.35 million tonnes of diesel and gasoil out of 4.34 million tonnes imported, according to Vortexa data reported by OPIS. It was then Morocco’s leading supplier.
Moscow has now extended its restrictions on diesel exports until October 31. Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have disrupted production, prompting the authorities to reserve more fuel for the domestic market. Deputy Prime Minister Alexandre Novak nevertheless said on Friday that a partial easing could be considered if production exceeds domestic needs, Reuters reports Reuters.
The G7 mobilizes its fuel reserves
Pressure from Russia has been compounded by a US threat. Faced with record diesel prices, the Trump administration was considering restricting exports to increase the volumes available in the United States. Such a decision would have reduced the options for replacing Russian cargoes.
However, talks led to a joint response on Friday. The G7 announced the release of 100 million barrels of oil and refined products, including a significant supply of diesel in the first 20 days. Its members also pledged not to restrict energy exports among themselves.
For Moroccan importers, these additional volumes should help ease competition among buyers. The difficulty also lies in refining: having crude oil is not enough when the facilities capable of processing it are damaged or shipping routes are disrupted.
This tension comes as diesel is already topping 16 dirhams at several Moroccan stations. Since early July, prices have risen by nearly 28%, adding almost 175 dirhams to the cost of filling a 50-liter tank.
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Beyond motorists, the cost of diesel weighs on transport companies and farmers. Moving goods, running a tractor or operating an irrigation pump becomes more expensive when fuel prices rise. These costs can then pass on the impact of supply tensions to the prices of goods sold in Morocco.
