Logistics, rising global prices could create diesel shortage in Ukraine, industry outlet says

KYIV, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Logistical difficulties, including low water levels on the Danube River, and rising fuel prices in Europe could lead to a diesel shortage in Ukraine, fuel industry online news outlet Enkorr said on Monday.

Ukraine is almost entirely reliant on imported fuel supplies because all of its oil refineries have been destroyed or seriously damaged during the war with Russia.

"It now appears possible to speak of a diesel fuel shortage caused by logistical problems. Traditionally, the enemy has been the main factor, but there are also purely natural causes," Enkorr said.   

It said that physical availability of diesel fuel remained a key factor for the market and the shortage became particularly acute late last week, both in the south and west of Ukraine.

Enkorr said that low water levels on the Danube, a major route for fuel imports into Ukraine, had significantly reduced barge carrying capacity, while some vessels were unable to reach ports at all.

In western Ukraine, delays persist on both rail and road supply routes, with rail fuel shipments held up for eight days or more, while trucks have to wait for five to eight days at border crossings, it said.

Kyiv-based A-95 fuel consultancy said this month that Ukraine imported 537,000 metric tons of diesel fuel in September, 9% less than in August.

Diesel supplies totalled 4.7 million tons in the first nine months of the year, up 3% from the corresponding period in 2025, it said.

Ukraine imports diesel mostly from Poland, Lithuania and Hungary. 

(Reporting by Pavel PolityukEditing by Tomasz Janowski)