Russia leads supply as Georgia’s oil imports, exports climb in early 2026

Georgia’s oil and petroleum products have become the second most important commodity group in its foreign trade in the first quarter of 2026, both in imports and exports.

According to preliminary data from Geostat, Georgia imported oil and petroleum products worth $338.6 million (8.2% of total imports) and exported $208.1 million (12.1% of exports) in January–March. In addition, the country imported petroleum gases and other hydrocarbons worth $204.1 million, Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

A marked shift in trade patterns followed the launch of the Kulevi Oil Refinery in late 2025. A year earlier, Georgia did not import crude oil or export petroleum products.

Russia has emerged as the key supplier, accounting for the entire volume of oil and petroleum imports—298,300 tons worth $118.5 million. It also supplied a further 180,400 tons of petroleum products worth $117.4 million.

On the export side, shipments are primarily directed to China, which received 29,200 tons of products worth $22.8 million, or around 10% of total exports.

Overall, Georgia’s foreign trade turnover in the first quarter amounted to $5.8 billion, up 0.2% year-on-year. Exports rose by 23.4% to $1.72 billion, while imports fell by 7.1% to $4.14 billion. The trade deficit remains significant at $2.42 billion, accounting for 41.2% of total turnover.

The largest export markets were China ($203.2 million), Kyrgyzstan ($190.9 million), and Russia ($145.5 million). On the import side, leading partners were Türkiye ($657.3 million), Russia ($592.5 million), and China ($487.6 million).

By Vafa Guliyeva