Russian Diesel Tankers Change Course Mid-Voyage as Fuel Prices Jump

Both tankers were loaded in March at Russia’s Primorsk port and had already completed almost half of their trip to Brazil before their buyers were changed – something that rarely happens. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (FILES) Cargo ships and tankers are seen off coast city of Fujairah, in the Strait of Hormuz in the northern Emirate on February 25, 2026. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google Two ships carrying Russian diesel changed their routes while already sailing to Brazil, according to shipping data and traders.  Both tankers were loaded in March at Russia’s Primorsk port and had already completed almost half of their trip to Brazil before their buyers were changed – something that rarely happens once cargo is at sea. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . One ship, the Flora 1, is now heading toward the Suez Canal after loading about 37,000 tons of diesel, according to a Reuters report. Another tanker, the Aurora, turned around in the Atlantic and is now sailing toward the Strait of Gibraltar, with its final destination still unknown. The details of the original and updated deals are not known, and it is uncommon for buyers to be changed after shipments have already left their departure port. Two more tankers carrying over 100,000 tons of diesel are also stuck at sea on their way to Brazil, drifting without clear direction. It is not clear why. Traders say the changes may be linked to higher fuel prices in different regions, with sellers trying to make more profit by redirecting cargoes. Brazil depends on imports for up to 30% of its diesel needs. Russian diesel is still allowed under current sanctions. Brazil’s state oil company Petrobras said recently that several of its refineries are already running at near full capacity because of higher fuel demand and prices. Russia has become Brazil’s main diesel supplier since 2023, after the EU stopped importing Russian oil products. Other Topics of Interest What to Make of Germany’s New Military Strategy? German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has presented a military strategy that aims to make the Bundeswehr ‘Europe’s strongest conventional army’, and explicitly named Russia as a threat. To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter Contact Us Please leave your suggestions or corrections here Cancel Send Kyiv Post Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.