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Russian fuel imports to Asia hit record high amid Middle East crisis

2026-03-19 08:08:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Russian fuel imports to Asia hit record high amid Middle East crisis

Asia is expected to hit record levels of fuel imports from Russia in March, as tensions in the Middle East and temporary relief from US sanctions are reshaping the global energy market.

According to ship-tracking data, the region is expected to import more than 3 million tons of Russian oil this month, or about 614,500 barrels per day. The increased flow is helping to ease shortages created by supply disruptions from the Middle East, where conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have severely affected the market.

Southeast Asia is expected to be the main beneficiary, with 1.7 to 1.9 million tonnes of supplies, mainly to Singapore and Malaysia. Meanwhile, China ranks as the second largest buyer, with up to 1.5 million tonnes, used mainly as an alternative to crude oil in its refineries.

The increase in imports comes after the US issued a 30-day exemption for the purchase of Russian oil and products that had been stranded at sea due to sanctions.

However, analysts warn that this is only a temporary relief. Supply disruptions from the Middle East and restrictions on the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz are continuing to keep the market under pressure.

High-sulfur fuel oil (HSFO) prices in Asia remain high, although they have fallen slightly after a surge in Russian imports. Experts say that if the crisis continues, global supply could tighten further in the coming months./ CNA





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