Finance
Rising Ukrainian Diesel Imports Avert Risk of April Shortage, Consultancy Says
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 30, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 30, 2026
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Ukraine’s sharply increased diesel imports in late March—averaging 21,400 t/day vs 19,400 t/day the prior week—are projected to total ~565,000 t in March, surpassing expectations and alleviating risk of April shortages.
Ukraine Increases Diesel Imports, Lowers Risk of April Fuel Shortage
Ukraine's Diesel Supply Situation and Market Outlook
KYIV, March 30 (Reuters) - Ukraine has stepped up diesel fuel imports and analysts do not expect the country to face a fuel shortage next month.
Impact of Russian Missile Strikes on Domestic Refining
After Russian missile strikes virtually destroyed Ukraine's domestic refining capacity, it became almost entirely dependent on imported fuel, sourcing supplies from western, central and southern Europe.
Recent Diesel Import Statistics
Enkorr Consultancy Report
The Kyiv-based Enkorr fuel consultancy said in a report on Monday that over the four days of the week from March 23 to March 26, average daily diesel deliveries reached 21,400 metric tons, up from 19,400 tons over the same period a week earlier.
March Import Projections
"If the current pace continues, March imports could total 565,000 tons, exceeding earlier expectations of 522,000 tons and standing 9% higher than in the same period last year," the consultancy said.
There is no clear risk of a shortage, it added, citing traders.
Government and Market Perspectives
Energy Ministry Statement
The Ukrainian energy ministry told Reuters last week that the diesel market was fully supplied for March and that about 70% of April's required supply had been secured.
Wholesale Price Trends
Enkorr said this month that traders had pegged the increase in wholesale diesel prices because of the war in the Middle East at nearly 50% in less than a month.
(Reporting by Pavel PolityukEditing by David Goodman)
Key Takeaways
- •Ukraine has ramped up diesel imports despite domestic refining capacity being decimated by Russian strikes, securing supplies from across Europe
- •March import pace suggests volumes (~565,000 t) will exceed earlier forecasts (~522,000 t) and be 9 % higher year‑on‑year
- •Analysts and government say there is no clear risk of April shortage, with about 70 % of requirement already secured
Frequently Asked Questions about Rising Ukrainian diesel imports avert risk of April shortage, consultancy says
1Why did Ukraine increase diesel imports?
Ukraine increased diesel imports after Russian missile strikes destroyed its domestic refining capacity, making it reliant on foreign supplies.
2Will Ukraine face a diesel shortage in April?
Analysts and the Ukrainian energy ministry do not expect a fuel shortage in April, as import levels are sufficient to meet demand.
3How much diesel is Ukraine importing in March?
Ukraine could import up to 565,000 tons of diesel in March, exceeding previous expectations and last year's figures.
4What regions supply diesel to Ukraine?
Ukraine sources diesel from western, central, and southern Europe.
5What has happened to diesel prices in Ukraine recently?
Traders report that wholesale diesel prices have increased nearly 50% in less than a month due to the war in the Middle East.
