Black Sea Petroleum: Kulevi oil refinery processes Kazakh crude as part of ongoing feedstock diversification plan

Black Sea Petroleum, which operates the Kulevi Oil terminal and refinery, on Saturday announced that the Kulevi refinery has already received and processed crude oil of Kazakh origin as part of its plan to transition to entirely non-Russian feedstock, while continuing cooperation with the European Commission and other relevant institutions.

In a statement, the company noted it was actively implementing its crude oil diversification strategy after announcing on July 1 that it would begin processing only non-Russian crude oil from August-September 2026.

“LLC Black Sea Petroleum confirms that the planned diversification of crude oil supplies is actively underway. On 1 July 2026, Black Sea Petroleum announced that from August–September 2026 the company would begin processing crude oil of entirely non-Russian origin. The Kulevi oil refinery has already received and processed crude oil of Kazakh origin in July and will continue to do so in August as well”, the statement said.

The company also announced that, under a crude oil supply agreement signed on July 3 with an international trading company, the refinery is scheduled to receive Libyan crude oil between August 20 and 30.

“Under the crude oil supply agreement signed on 3 July 2026 between Black Sea Petroleum and an international trading company, in the period from 20 to 30 August the Kulevi oil refinery will receive crude oil of Libyan origin. This agreement is valid until the end of 2027 and provides for the possibility of extension”, the statement noted.

Black Sea Petroleum noted that the European Commission acknowledged the company’s ongoing communication with EU institutions during a press briefing on July 24 and clarified that the six-month transitional period was intended to allow the refinery to replace Russian crude oil.

“At a press briefing held on 24 July 2026, the European Commission stated that Black Sea Petroleum is in active communication with them and clarified that the six-month transitional period is specifically intended to give the company the opportunity to replace Russian crude oil. The steps we have taken are fully consistent with this objective and the relevant timelines”, the company said.

The statement added that Black Sea Petroleum continues to work constructively with the European Commission and other relevant institutions while providing documented evidence of progress in implementing its diversification plan.

“Black Sea Petroleum continues to implement its feedstock diversification plan, cooperates constructively with the European Commission and other relevant institutions, and presents clear and verifiable evidence of progress under the diversification plan. The company remains committed to its principles - acting in accordance with all applicable laws and regulatory requirements, strengthening internal governance and control mechanisms, and contributing to Georgia’s economic development and energy security”, Black Sea Petroleum noted.

“The combination of these measures is aimed at ensuring an uninterrupted transition to entirely non-Russian feedstock and the continuous and stable operation of the refinery”, the statement concluded.