Georgia’s Kulevi refinery shifts to Kazakh, Libyan oil to avoid sanctions

The Kulevi oil refinery in western Georgia has begun shifting away from Russian crude, sourcing oil from Kazakhstan and Libya in an effort to avoid potential Western sanctions, according to a statement from Black Sea Petroleum, which operates the facility.

“The Kulevi oil refinery in July has already received and processed crude oil of Kazakh origin, which will continue in August. On July 3, 2026, an agreement was concluded between Black Sea Petroleum and an international trading company, under which, during the period from August 20 to 30, the Kulevi oil refinery will receive crude oil of Libyan origin,” the company said.

Black Sea Petroleum added that it remains in close contact with the European Commission, keeping it informed of its plans to diversify crude supplies.

The move follows the European Union’s decision to include the refinery at the port of Kulevi in its 21st package of sanctions targeting Russia. The restrictions are due to come into force on January 25, 2027.

EU officials have indicated that sanctions may not be enforced if the refinery fully ceases processing Russian crude before the deadline.

By Tamilla Hasanova