Russian Diesel Tanker Bound for Morocco After Partial Export Ban Lifting

A crude oil tanker carrying roughly 40,000 metric tonnes of Russian diesel is sailing toward Morocco, after Moscow partially eased restrictions on fuel exports, Reuters reported on Wednesday, citing shipping data from the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).

Destination and Buyer Unclear

The vessel was loaded on 13 October at the Baltic Sea port of Primorsk, with Morocco listed as its destination, according to the data. Neither the receiving port nor the buyer has been identified, leaving it uncertain whether the cargo is intended for Morocco’s domestic market or will be transhipped elsewhere.

The shipment follows Russia’s partial relaxation of diesel export restrictions on 10 October, after an agreement between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin on fuel supplies to global markets. Trump stated that Russia had agreed to supply diesel to international markets to help lower fuel prices. His administration also temporarily suspended U.S. sanctions on Russian fuel.

Russia’s Export Outlook

Russia had extended restrictions on diesel exports that were initially expected to remain in place until the end of January 2027. The partial easing could allow Moscow to increase shipments as it seeks to restore export volumes.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Monday that the country expects diesel exports to reach between 3 million and 3.5 million metric tonnes per month by the end of 2026, returning to levels Russia has traditionally shipped abroad.

The projected increase comes as governments and energy markets monitor fuel supplies and prices. Russian diesel exports have been affected by restrictions, while Moscow has sought to maintain deliveries to international buyers.

It remains unclear whether the tanker bound for Morocco is part of the additional exports expected following the easing of restrictions. Reuters did not report the terms of the sale or identify the company purchasing the fuel.

The shipment’s listed destination does not confirm that the diesel will be sold in Morocco. Without details about the importer and receiving port, it is not possible to establish whether the cargo will supply the domestic market or transit through the country en route to another destination.

Morocco, a North African kingdom, relies heavily on imported refined petroleum products to meet its energy needs, and the country has no major domestic crude reserves.