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A political dispute between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Sudan has caused disruptions in global oil trade. The UAE’s decision to block all shipments linked to Sudan has directly affected international energy giant Vitol.
The restriction, imposed in early August, halted crude oil exports from Port Sudan, the country’s main port. This has prevented oil produced in South Sudan from reaching Vitol’s refinery in Fujairah (UAE).
Vitol had been refining this crude into bunker fuel, used to power ships. After the ban, the company began using more expensive alternative crude types to keep production running.
According to data firm Kpler, no shipments from South Sudan have arrived in the UAE since July 30. Instead, Vitol redirected the crude to its refinery in Malaysia, which received 100,000 barrels in August — nearly four times the five-year monthly average.
The Sudanese government has accused the UAE of meddling in its internal conflict, while the UAE has denied supporting any side.
The dispute comes amid fierce fighting between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group.
Experts say this is more than a diplomatic row between two nations — it could also have broader implications for the global marine fuel supply chain.
