Morocco Emerges as Key Destination for Russian Oil Exports Amid Sanctions

Faced with Western sanctions targeting its oil products, Russia has diverted its supplies to other destinations, such as Africa. The European Union’s ban on imports of Russian oil products, including gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, will come into effect in February 2023.

On the continent, Morocco is positioning itself as one of the main countries benefiting from Russian oil products. In recent years, the kingdom has strengthened its trade relations with Russia. According to Refinitiv data, Moscow’s diesel deliveries to Rabat have accelerated to reach 735,000 tons in 2022, after only 66,000 tons in 2021. And they already total nearly 140,000 tons since the beginning of 2023.

Among the other countries that benefit from several Russian shipments, Ghana, Senegal, Libya, Turkey, Uruguay and Côte d’Ivoire are cited.