Türkiye's largest oil refineries have begun purchasing more non-Russian crude oil in response to new Western sanctions on Russia.

Source: Reuters, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Türkiye is a major buyer of Russian oil, alongside China and India. Turkish refineries are now following India's example, indicating the impact of efforts by the US, EU and UK to restrict Russian oil sales that fund the war against Ukraine.

One of the largest Turkish refineries – SOCAR Turkey Aegean Refinery (STAR), owned by Azerbaijan's SOCAR – recently purchased four crude oil cargoes from Iraq, Kazakhstan and other non-Russian sources for delivery in December, sources told Reuters.

According to Reuters estimates, this corresponds to between 77,000 and 129,000 barrels per day of non-Russian supply, depending on batch sizes, reducing the share of Russian oil processed by STAR.

Kpler data shows that in September and October, Russian oil accounted for virtually all STAR refinery input – around 210,000 barrels per day.

One of the four new cargoes is Kazakhstan's KEBCO, which two sources said is similar in quality to Russia's Urals grade but originates from Kazakhstan.

Another major Turkish refiner, Tupras, is also increasing purchases of non-Russian grades similar to Urals, such as Iraqi crude.

The shift by Turkish refineries to increase non-Russian oil imports amid the latest sanctions had not previously been reported.

Background: Indian refiners have not placed any new orders for Russian crude since the latest sanctions were introduced and are awaiting guidance from the government and suppliers.

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