Oil-Load Refinery Group, recognized as the most prominent custom producer of petroleum derivatives in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, has recently experienced a significant surge in demand for one of its key products: 5000 ppm diesel. According to the sales department of this producer, in August 2026 the highest sales volume of Oil-Load’s fuel products was related to 5000 ppm diesel, with Uzbekistan as the primary destination.
This report prompted the editorial team of the Oil-Load website to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the current state of Uzbekistan’s diesel market, the reasons behind the country’s growing interest in Kurdistan Region products, and Oil-Load’s strategic position in this market.
Uzbekistan: A Market in Transition
For years, Uzbekistan has relied heavily on diesel imports from Russia. Trade data from 2024 shows that of Uzbekistan’s total petroleum product imports under HS code 271000, Russia supplied approximately 2.345 million tons — around 85% of the total volume. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan ranked next.
In 2026, however, this equation changed. Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries reduced Russia’s refining capacity. At the same time, domestic consumption in Russia rose during the summer season, prompting the Russian government to restrict diesel exports. Russia first banned diesel exports in July and then, on 29 August 2026, extended the ban on diesel, marine fuel, and gasoil exports by Russian producers until 30 September 2026. These restrictions directly affected Central Asian countries dependent on Russian fuel.
Uzbekistan produces its own diesel, but domestic output is insufficient to meet national demand. In the first five months of 2026, domestic diesel production reached approximately 476,400 tons — a 7.9% increase year-on-year. However, estimated demand for the autumn and winter of 2026–27 stands at around 776,000 tons, with the government planning to import approximately 740,000 tons. Diesel imports in the first half of 2026 fell by 18.7% compared to the same period the previous year, and in June they dropped sharply to around 2,800 tons (from 42,700 tons in May and 39,500 tons in April). This situation has created not only higher prices but also a real risk of physical supply shortages.
The Entry of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region into the Equation
With the Russian supply chain disrupted, Iraq has emerged as one of the alternative sources. In July 2026, the Iraqi government announced that the country had achieved self-sufficiency in diesel and kerosene production. This self-sufficiency has opened new export opportunities for Iraqi and especially Kurdistan Region products.
Real trade data form oilload confirms this shift. On 30 March 2026, the first commercial shipment of approximately 192.935 metric tons of Gas Oil/Diesel from Iraq to a buyer in Uzbekistan was recorded. This demonstrates that the Iraq-to-Uzbekistan route is no longer merely theoretical but has become a commercial reality.
It is important to note, however, that Iraq has not yet fully replaced Russia. Uzbekistan’s market is currently diversifying its sources and is simultaneously purchasing from Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, China, Turkey, and Iraq. This diversification itself creates a serious opportunity for new producers such as Oil-Load.
Why Oil-Load’s 5000 ppm Diesel Has Attracted Attention
Oil-Load’s 5000 ppm diesel offers an optimal balance between price and performance. It is well-suited for heavy industry, transportation fleets, and certain industrial applications in Uzbekistan, while remaining more cost-effective than ultra-low-sulfur grades.
As a direct producer, Oil-Load manufactures diesel in its own reservoirs in Erbil and Sulaymaniyah and offers custom production across different sulfur grades (1,500, 2,000, 5,000, 7,000, and 10,000 ppm). This flexibility is one of the main reasons Uzbek buyers choose Oil-Load products.
Oil-Load’s Integrated Services — From Production to Delivery
Oil-Load is not only a producer; it provides a complete end-to-end service package for its customers:
- Custom production tailored to the buyer’s exact specifications (sulfur content, flash point, cetane index, etc.)
- Supply of standard, trackable tanker fleets
- Full management of customs clearance procedures
- International transit coordination
- Rental of storage tanks in the Sarakhs Free Zone to facilitate transshipment and increase delivery flexibility
- Technical consultancy, payment solutions, and 24/7 shipment tracking
These services enable Uzbek buyers to receive the product reliably without becoming entangled in complex logistics and customs procedures.
Oil-Load’s Golden Transit Route to Uzbekistan
The primary route for transporting Oil-Load’s diesel to Uzbekistan is as follows:
- Direct loading from the producer’s reservoirs in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (Erbil and Sulaymaniyah)
- Transit through Iraq–Iran border crossings (Bashmaq or Parviz Khan)
- Passage through Iranian territory to the Sarakhs border (Iran–Turkmenistan)
- Transshipment at Sarakhs (with the option of using rented storage tanks in the Free Zone) and onward movement to Uzbekistan
This route is typically completed within 7 to 10 days and, with the support of Oil-Load representatives at the borders, minimizes supply-chain risks.
Outlook
The investigation conducted by the editorial team of the Oil-Load website shows that the disruption in Russian diesel exports has created a significant opportunity for producers in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. By relying on direct production, consistent quality, comprehensive logistics services, and the Sarakhs transit corridor, Oil-Load has successfully established its position in the Uzbek market.
The August 2026 sales figures, which placed Oil-Load’s 5000 ppm diesel at the top of sales to Uzbekistan, confirm this position. Given the high demand expected in the upcoming autumn and winter seasons, demand for Oil-Load products is likely to remain strong in the coming months.
Oil-Load, as the leading producer of petroleum derivatives in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, is ready to cooperate with importers, traders, and end-users in Uzbekistan.
