Black Sea Petroleum Phases Out Russian Oil at Kulevi Refinery

Black Sea Petroleum has launched a diversification plan to phase out the processing of Russian crude oil at the Kulevi Oil Refinery in Georgia. This transition is necessary to avoid sanctions under the European Union's 21st sanctions package, which permits prohibitions on transactions with third-country refineries that process Russian oil.

The refinery began processing Kazakh oil in early July and expects its first shipment of Libyan crude between August 20 and August 30, following a supply agreement signed on July 3, 2026. While the European Union has granted a six-month postponement of restrictions for the Kulevi facility, the refinery must demonstrate a complete removal of Russian crude from its operations to maintain its status.

Black Sea Petroleum stated that its diversification plan is proceeding according to the required timetable. The company intends to provide regular updates to the European Commission to ensure compliance and prevent the imposition of transaction restrictions by the Council of the European Union.