Casablanca – Morocco recorded a significant increase in its imports of petroleum products during the first months of 2026, reflecting both rising domestic energy demand and structural dependence on external suppliers. Recent data from international energy monitoring and official trade statistics show a dual trend: higher overall imports of refined products, alongside a diversification of sourcing countries, including traditional suppliers and emerging partners such as Georgia.

According to data from an energy research unit based in Washington, Morocco’s imports of petroleum products reached approximately 361,000 barrels per day in March 2026, marking a year-on-year increase of 34%. This sharp rise indicates growing internal consumption pressures, particularly in sectors linked to electricity generation and transport fuels.

The upward trajectory was also evident over a broader timeframe. During the first quarter of 2026, average imports stood at around 287,000 barrels per day, representing an 18% increase compared with the same period of the previous year. This sustained growth confirms a structural reliance on imported energy products, particularly diesel and fuel oil, which remain essential for electricity production and industrial use.

Energy analysts link this trend to several overlapping factors. Among them is the increased use of fuel oil and diesel in power generation, especially during periods of gas supply fluctuations. Additionally, Morocco continues to face limitations in domestic refining capacity, as local refining activity remains largely absent. This situation reinforces dependence on imported refined petroleum products to meet national demand.

Despite volatility in global energy markets, Morocco’s supply chain has remained relatively diversified. Spain has maintained its position as one of the leading suppliers of refined petroleum products to the Moroccan market. Alongside Spain, other key exporters include Russia, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Italy. The presence of multiple suppliers reflects both competitive sourcing strategies and Morocco’s effort to secure stable supply flows in a highly fluctuating global energy environment.

At the same time, new trade patterns are emerging, particularly involving non-traditional energy partners. One of the most notable developments in early 2026 has been the rapid expansion of Morocco’s imports from Georgia, especially in oil derivatives. Trade data from the Georgian Statistics Office (Geostat) shows that Morocco imported more than $20.7 million worth of goods from Georgia between January and March 2026. Within this figure, petroleum-related products accounted for a significant share of the exchange.

In March alone, Morocco ranked third among the largest importers of Georgian oil derivatives, with purchases estimated at around $16.8 million. This placed the country behind China and Turkey, highlighting a relatively new but rapidly growing commercial link between Rabat and Tbilisi in the energy sector.

Georgia’s oil derivative exports experienced exceptional growth during the same period. Total exports reached approximately $208 million in the first quarter of 2026, marking a substantial increase compared with the previous year. This expansion has been linked to the operational scaling of a refinery in the Kulevi area, which processes crude oil and produces refined petroleum products, including diesel and gasoil.

The refinery’s production model relies in part on imported crude oil, including shipments from Russia. This has enabled Georgia to position itself as a re-export and refining hub, supplying processed petroleum products to multiple international markets. According to industry sources, the facility currently focuses on producing high-sulfur diesel and gasoil, with plans to expand into gasoline and aviation fuel production in the future.

From Morocco’s perspective, increased engagement with emerging suppliers such as Georgia reflects broader efforts to diversify import sources and improve energy security. However, the country’s energy structure remains heavily import-dependent, particularly in the absence of large-scale domestic refining infrastructure.

The combination of rising consumption, limited local refining capacity, and exposure to global price fluctuations continues to shape Morocco’s energy outlook. While traditional suppliers such as Spain maintain a dominant role, the growing presence of new partners indicates an evolving import geography driven by cost considerations, availability, and geopolitical shifts.

Diplomatic and economic relations also play a supporting role in this diversification process. Morocco and Georgia have recently strengthened political dialogue and cooperation frameworks, with both countries expressing interest in expanding trade and investment ties. This broader diplomatic context has facilitated the expansion of commercial exchanges, including in energy-related products.

Morocco’s rising oil import levels in early 2026 highlight a transitional phase in its energy landscape. The country is simultaneously facing increasing domestic demand and working to secure more diversified external supply chains. While new partners are emerging and trade volumes are expanding, structural dependence on imported refined petroleum products remains a defining feature of the national energy system.