08:00 - 5.08.2026

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August 4, Fineko/abc.az. The Kulevi oil refinery in Georgia is phasing out Russian crude oil in favor of alternative suppliers, according to operator Black Sea Petroleum (BSP). In July, the plant received and processed its first batch of Kazakh crude, with deliveries set to continue through August.

In addition to Kazakh oil, the refinery will start receiving shipments from Libya. Under an agreement signed with an international trading partner, the first delivery of Libyan crude is expected to arrive at the facility between August 20 and August 30.

The transition comes as the refinery aligns with European Union sanctions regulations. Under the EU's 21st sanctions package, the Kulevi refinery has been given until January 25, 2027, to fully diversify its feedstock away from Russian crude to avoid facing EU transaction restrictions.