Azerbaijani Oil Imports to Israel Reach Three-Year High Amid Trade Ban

In 2025, Israel's imports of Azerbaijani oil from Turkey's Ceyhan port reached a three-year high, according to ship-tracking data. This development highlights Israel's capacity to secure oil supplies despite international condemnation related to its military actions in Gaza. Official Turkish data indicates that trade between Turkey and Israel has ceased since June 2024, following Ankara's imposition of a ban on Israeli operations against the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite banTurkey trade ban fails to halt Azerbaijani oil flows to Israel as imports hit three-year high

Turkey has stated that it does not control the sale of Azerbaijani oil transported through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline. In November 2024, Turkish officials claimed that exporters using the Ceyhan terminal "respected its decision to end trade with Israel," asserting that oil was not being loaded with Israel as the destination. Despite this, Kpler data reveals that Israeli imports of Azerbaijani crude surged by 31% year-on-year to 94,000 barrels per day in 2025, marking the highest level since 2022 and solidifying Azerbaijan's position as Israel's leading oil supplier, surpassing Russia.

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite banTurkey trade ban fails to halt Azerbaijani oil flows to Israel as imports hit three-year high

To circumvent the trade ban, vessels transporting oil from Ceyhan to Israel often disable their tracking systems and report alternative destinations to maritime authorities. Analysts from Kpler and Vortexa have noted that ships typically signal offshore locations such as Egypt or Cyprus before discharging their cargo in Israel. For instance, the Aframax tanker Valfoglia loaded at Ceyhan and delivered 680,000 barrels of Azerbaijani Light crude to Israel on January 7, 2025. Another vessel, the Suezmax tanker Kimolos, switched off its tracking system between January 1 and 5, 2025, and subsequently discharged its cargo at Ashkelon port.

Turkey trade ban fails to halt Azerbaijani oil flows to Israel as imports hit three-year highIsarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban

The increase in Azerbaijani oil imports is part of a broader trend where Israel continues to engage in trade with countries whose governments have publicly condemned its actions in Gaza. Notably, South Africa, which has accused Israel of genocide at the International Criminal Court, emerged as Israel's top coal supplier in 2025. Azerbaijani crude accounted for 46.4% of Israel's oil imports last year, the highest share this decade, significantly ahead of Russia's 28%.

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban

Israel's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has refrained from commenting on the sources of its oil imports. The Israeli government has criticized Turkey for allegedly violating international agreements with its trade ban.

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban

While the data from Kpler indicates a significant increase in Azerbaijani oil imports to Israel, the Turkish government maintains that no oil is being sold to Israel from Ceyhan, creating a discrepancy between the two narratives.

Turkey trade ban fails to halt Azerbaijani oil flows to Israel as imports hit three-year high

• “The vessel will typically signal offshore Egypt/Cyprus, and will discharge to Israel,” — Vortexa Analyst

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban

• “The government said Turkey was ignoring international agreements by imposing a trade ban.” — Israeli Government Official

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban

This situation underscores the complexities of international trade dynamics amid geopolitical tensions, as Israel navigates its energy needs in the face of diplomatic challenges.

Isarel imports Azerbaijani oil via Turkey despite ban