Is Ukraine facing a diesel shortage in April: what are the experts predicting?

Ukrainians have enough diesel to last until the end of March, but supplies in April are in doubt due to high fuel prices, Reuters reported. However, does this mean there will be a shortage of diesel in Ukraine? 

Diesel shortage in Ukraine: what Reuters reported

Citing data from analysts at the consultancy firm Enkorr, Reuters reported that Ukrainian traders have no clarity regarding the diesel situation in April. Suppliers are postponing decisions until the last minute due to high fuel prices resulting from the conflict in the Middle East.

“Negotiations are ongoing, but so far no one is mentioning specific volumes, guarantees or, let alone, premiums,” said one of the traders.

Diesel shortage in Ukraine: what the experts are saying

The information circulated by Reuters is either distorted or misinterpreted, says energy expert Volodymyr Omelchenko.

According to him, no shortage is expected and the contracted volumes will, in all likelihood, be able to meet demand.

The start of the sowing season, as Omelchenko noted, should also not have a negative impact on the fuel market.

“I have not yet seen any signs of a crisis resulting from the start of traditional spring work,” he said.

Serhiy Kuyun, director of the A-95 Consulting Group, also refuted reports of a possible April shortage. He attributed media reports to a misunderstanding of the content of professional market analyses.

"Throughout March, supply volumes have been at 2025 levels; there are even expectations of building up a certain stock for April. Contracting for April is ongoing, with an average of 40% already reserved. There is no shortage and none is expected. Moreover, for some reason, there are no queues for diesel at 85 hryvnias,” Kuyun wrote on his Facebook page.

We previously reported on the prices at which fuel was being sold at Ukrainian petrol stations on 24 March.