Casablanca – Morocco has established itself as one of the most significant Arab importers of Russian energy following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, becoming an increasingly important actor in a shifting global energy landscape. Recent data from specialized energy platforms show that the Kingdom stands out not only for the scale of its imports but also for the diversity of energy sources it secures from Russia, reflecting a strategic effort to strengthen domestic energy security.

According to the latest figures, Morocco is among eight Arab countries that continue to import Russian energy products, alongside the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Syria, Tunisia, and Libya. However, Morocco is unique within this group as the only country importing three key categories of Russian energy: refined petroleum products, coal, and natural gas. This diversified approach highlights a deliberate policy aimed at reducing dependence on any single source and ensuring stable supply under changing market conditions.

In the petroleum sector, Morocco ranks among five Arab countries importing Russian refined products, together with Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and the UAE. Russia has become Morocco’s second-largest supplier of refined petroleum products after Spain. In 2025, imports of Russian fuel reached around 40,000 barrels per day, underlining the growing role of Russian supplies in meeting national demand. A significant increase was recorded in December, when imports of Russian diesel rose to approximately 321,000 tons, more than four times the level seen in the previous month.

Coal remains a key component of Morocco’s energy mix, particularly for electricity generation. Alongside Egypt, Morocco is one of the leading Arab importers of Russian coal. This reflects the continued reliance of thermal power plants on coal to maintain stable electricity production, especially during peak consumption periods.

Natural gas imports present a more complex arrangement. Morocco has been listed for 23 consecutive months among countries importing Russian gas via pipelines. However, this classification is technical rather than geographical, as there are no direct pipeline connections between Morocco and Russia. Instead, the country relies on an indirect supply chain involving liquefied natural gas. Russian LNG is transported to Spain, where it is regasified at specialized terminals before being sent to Morocco through the Maghreb-Europe pipeline using reverse-flow technology. This system was introduced after Algeria halted gas exports to Morocco through the pipeline at the end of 2021, prompting the country to adopt alternative supply solutions.

Across the region, Arab countries follow different strategies in sourcing Russian energy. While several focus mainly on refined petroleum products, only a few import crude oil, with Syria and the UAE among them. Kuwait stands out as the only Arab country importing Russian LNG directly. These differences highlight how infrastructure, market requirements, and national priorities shape energy import strategies.

Morocco’s growing engagement with Russian energy markets is taking place amid broader geopolitical and economic changes. Russia’s energy export revenues have shown a partial recovery, increasing by about 7% month-on-month in February 2026 to reach roughly $567 million per day. This rebound has been supported in part by regulatory developments, including a temporary authorization issued in March 2026 by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump allowing the purchase of Russian oil transported by sea.

Despite this short-term recovery, Russia’s overall energy revenues remain under pressure. Annual oil revenues declined to approximately $158 billion in 2025, marking the lowest level in four years due to ongoing Western sanctions and price volatility. These challenges have pushed Russia to expand its presence in alternative markets, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, where demand continues to grow.

On a global scale, Asian economies remain the primary buyers of Russian energy, with China, India, and Turkey accounting for a large share of total revenues. The European Union, although still an important customer, has significantly reduced its reliance on Russian energy and is preparing for additional restrictions, especially on liquefied natural gas. Planned measures include a possible ban on spot LNG purchases by April 2026, along with stricter controls on long-term contracts and pipeline supplies.

These expected policy changes are likely to reshape global energy flows, opening new opportunities for countries such as Morocco. By relying on flexible logistics, diversified sourcing strategies, and regional infrastructure connections, the Kingdom has positioned itself as a resilient and adaptable energy importer.

Beyond the energy sector, trade relations between Morocco and Russia have also expanded. Bilateral trade reached approximately $3 billion in 2024 and continued to grow in 2025. In addition to energy products, Morocco has increased imports of Russian wheat, further strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

Morocco’s strategy reflects a pragmatic approach focused on diversification, supply security, and cost efficiency. As global energy markets continue to evolve under the influence of geopolitical tensions and regulatory shifts, the country’s ability to adapt and broaden its energy partnerships will remain essential to supporting its economic stability and long-term growth.