Indonesian port becomes hub for transshipment of Russian oil products

The Indonesian port of Karimun has become the largest transshipment point for Russian oil products. "The Indonesian port of Karimun became the largest transshipment point for Russian oil in 2025. Meanwhile, the terminal's operation is not controlled by the Indonesian authorities – it is located in a free trade zone and outside the country's jurisdiction"

Reports indicate that 590,000 tonnes of fuel oil, about 217,000 tonnes of diesel fuel and 50,000 tonnes of oil have been exported through Karimun since the beginning of 2025.

In the face of Western sanctions, Russia is reported to be looking for alternative routes to export oil and oil products. Transshipment through Karimun allows Russian companies to circumvent these sanctions.

"In the port, Russian oil products are mixed with oil products from other countries of origin," Foreign Intelligence Service noted. "After that, the energy is considered Indonesian and Western sanctions are not applied to it. Subsequently, the oil products are re-exported to Singapore, Malaysia and China."