Black Sea Petroleum, the company owned by Georgian businesswoman Maka Asatiani that operates the Kulevi oil refinery in western Georgia, says it will begin refining crude oil of non-Russian origin from August–September. The firm argues the change will open access to higher-margin export markets for its products.
In a 1 July statement, the company said it continues to develop the plant under its strategic plan and contributes to Georgia’s economic development. It also reported an expanded partnership with Honeywell to procure and install high-tech equipment and automated control systems.
Product plans
Black Sea Petroleum said it will start producing road bitumen for domestic and export markets and expects to gain capacity to produce aviation fuel by the second quarter of 2027.
The Kulevi refinery was inaugurated in 2024 as one of the largest private investment projects in post-independence Georgia. It first drew scrutiny in October 2025 when Russian oil company Russneft supplied its first cargo to the facility. Georgian authorities said the shipment complied with international sanctions; critics warned that such deliveries could create a channel for re-exporting Russian oil under a Georgian designation.
Broader trade concerns
The debate unfolded amid journalistic investigations suggesting Russian oil products may reach European countries via Georgia, in line with a recorded spike in Georgia’s oil exports.
Attention also focused on Kulevi port, owned and operated by Azerbaijan’s SOCAR. In March 2026 the European Union considered including the port in a proposed 20th sanctions package against Russia but dropped the measure, citing positive commitments from Georgian authorities and the port operator.
