Bretons now run on English diesel – economy

Before War in Ukraine, most of the diesel arriving at the port of Brest came from northern Russia. Commodities secured from the ports of Vysotsk and Primorsk, the main refining centers in northern Europe, remained routine. But after the war, this provision was fundamentally questioned.

Balance on January 1

Authorities have tried to reduce gas and hydrocarbon inflows from Russia, with the goal of eliminating them by the end of 2022.

Until the end of last year, unloading of Russian diesel continued in Brest, while other sources of supply were seized. Recalled by the administration last December, will the intention to do without Russian production be fully fulfilled in the port of Brest?

On January 1, Sea Stratus unloaded 2,500 tons of Russian diesel from Vysotsk and was to deliver an additional 25,000 tons before returning to sea for Bordeaux. On January 2, Easterly Symphony arrived from Immingham in the east of England to deliver 32,771 tons of diesel. Evidence that the main source of diesel supply originated in Brest. “We can consider that the dynamic has reversed”, affirms the Brest deputy of the majority, Jean-Charles Larsonour (Horizons).

Delivery from Russia is not expected

Was this extra 2,500 tons the last in the port of Brest? “It is impossible to answer this question”, we answer the office of the port master, which confirms that the delivery from Russia is not currently planned for 2023. “Delivery can be decided within four to five days”, we mention. But for now, there is no Russian diesel on the horizon.

A huge batch of diesel delivered to Brest from the port of Immingham in England is set to arrive today. It is logically a Scottish hydrocarbon, “likely to be supplemented by an influx of American or Russian products”. Could Russian diesel enter France through diverted ports? “It’s hard to know, admits Deputy Larsonneur. To avoid a deficit, if a deputy is needed on the edge…”

Do without the world’s best diesel

Be that as it may, the quality of diesel has again become an issue in Brittany, Russian products are considered the best on the market, financially, qualitatively and even in terms of emissions of pollutants. “English diesel is more expensive, has lower engine quality and is more polluting than Russian”, underlines the informed source. Additional effects of the war in Ukraine…