Supply issues in the south have intensified fuel imports from the west – co-owner of WOG

In July, Ukrainian fuel companies increased imports across the western border, compensating for the supply shortage in the southern direction. Among the companies that increased alternative supplies was the Western Fuel and Energy Company (ZPEK), its co-owner reported Oleg Chikida in a comment ZN.UA.

«The increase in supplies at the western border was driven by a shortage of supply in the south. We managed to quickly increase imports from alternative sources, although these were expensive spot supplies,» noted Chikida.

The need for additional volumes arose due to the deterioration of water transport delivery conditions. According to Serhiy Kuyun, Director of the A-95 Consulting Group, security risks have reduced the capacity of this route, while freight and insurance costs have increased.

The situation was complicated by shallow water Danube. As a result, the loading of barges had to be reduced to 30–50% of their capacity. At the same time, additional restrictions were imposed on the western route: in August, Poland’s ORLEN reduced quotas for Ukrainian companies by 20–30% for technical reasons.

Some of the cargo previously transported by sea routes was redirected to road transport. As a result, domestic diesel consumption increased. Additional demand was also driven by large industrial enterprises, which stepped up their purchases. Against this background, wholesale prices at times even exceeded retail prices.

However, the market managed to increase imports. According to the «A-95» Consulting Group, in July, diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine achieved 562,000 metric tons, exceeding last year's figure by 5%. Gasoline imports totaled 196,000 metric tons—the highest level since August 2025.

One of the sources of additional resources was car deliveries from the western direction, the volumes of which increased significantly at the end of July. Although this method of supply is more expensive, it made it possible to quickly respond to the fuel shortage and compensate for part of the lost volumes.

In the second half of August, the market situation may stabilize. According to Serhii Kuyun, importers have already increased fuel contracting, which should increase its physical supply.