Polish oil firm Orlen is actively seeking alternative crude oil supplies from the North Sea and other regions to replace disrupted Saudi imports. The company has purchased several spot cargoes in recent days due to escalating Middle East conflict, including Houthi attacks on Saudi installations. Orlen stated that feedstock deliveries to its refineries are proceeding without disruption.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are disrupting established oil supply chains, forcing major European energy companies like Orlen to seek alternative and potentially more costly sources, which could impact refining margins and energy prices.
Polish integrated oil firm Orlen is actively seeking alternative crude oil supplies from the North Sea and other regions to replace disrupted Saudi imports, according to five industry sources. The escalation of the Middle East conflict, including Yemeni Houthi attacks against Saudi installations, has prompted the Polish company to seek alternative supplies in recent days.
Orlen purchased several cargoes of crude oil in spot tenders on Friday and Monday. Traders indicated that the company acquired North Sea grades such as Grane, Johan Sverdrup, and Johan Castberg. Additionally, Orlen tendered for grades from further afield, including U.S. WTI Midland and Kazakh CPC Blend, according to two sources.
While tender results could not be directly confirmed with counterparties, Orlen declined to comment on specific commercial transactions. However, a spokesperson for the company stated that it actively manages its supply portfolio to ensure uninterrupted operation of its refining assets. The spokesperson added that adjusting and optimizing purchase volumes is a standard, ongoing part of Orlen Group's operations, driven by production needs and changing market conditions. Feedstock deliveries to Orlen refineries are currently proceeding without disruption.