Winter results: Extreme cold snaps reduced the number of importers and altered supply routes.

From December to February, Ukraine imported 1.72 million tons of diesel fuel, which is 27% more than last winter and slightly below the 2022/23 season total of 1.77 million tons. The increase in supplies was driven by abnormal frosts and widespread power outages caused by Russian attacks. These factors also affected fuel flows. These conclusions, based on the results of the three winter months, were made by experts from the Consulting Group A-95.

Low temperatures led traders to source more frost-resistant diesel, mainly produced at refineries in northeastern Europe and the USA. As a result, imports through the western border increased to 63% of total imports, up from 54% last winter, which was milder. By January 2026, this share rose to 76%, with only 24% of supplies coming from the South.

Poland was the largest supplier, accounting for 755 thousand tons or 44% of the total volume. The share of the Polish concern ORLEN, which shipped fuel from its refineries in Poland and Lithuania, amounted to 515 thousand tons.

Greece ranked second with 24% (409 thousand tons), mostly supplied in December when there were no severe frosts.

A notable feature of the season was record-high volumes of Arctic-type diesel fuel, which provides increased frost resistance. This season, about 250 thousand tons were supplied, representing a one-third increase from last year’s 188 thousand tons and more than four times the 58 thousand tons supplied the season before. The largest suppliers of the “Arctic” were Ukrnafta (162 thousand tons), OKKO (45 thousand tons), and WOG (37 thousand tons).

Due to the limited supply of frost-resistant diesel, the number of diesel importers has decreased to an average of 113 companies, down from 139 last winter.

At the end of winter, the top 10 importers made up 77% of diesel volumes, or 1.32 million tons.

The vast majority of the TOP-10 importers reported increased supplies compared to last year’s winter season. The fastest growth was shown by “D. Trading,” ZPEK, and “Ukrnafta.”

“Last winter was a real test. The special feature was the surge in demand for frost-resistant diesel grades, which drove record-breaking import volumes. The market passed this test with dignity; moreover, it entered a very turbulent March with stocks that allowed it to restrain the increase in prices due to the outbreak of the war in Iran,” said Serhiy Kuiun, director of the ” Consulting Group A-95″.