Tunisia has emerged as a major customer for Azerbaijani crude oil, according to SOCAR Trading, a subsidiary of the Azerbaijani state-owned company SOCAR. Togrul Kocharli, head of international development at SOCAR Trading, announced this development at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku on September 25. He highlighted that SOCAR is not only a major supplier of crude oil to Tunisia but also a key player in the country's refining industry.
The latest statistics show that Azerbaijan exported 429,376 tonnes of crude oil to Tunisia between January and August 2026, valued at $266.3 million. This represents a significant increase from the same period in 2025, with volumes up 2.3 times and value up 2.6 times. In 2024, Azerbaijan exported a total of 446,158 tonnes of crude oil and petroleum products to Tunisia, worth around $280 million. The recent surge in imports has already reached levels close to those recorded for the entire year of 2024.
SOCAR's growing presence in Tunisia is part of a broader African strategy. The company has been developing commercial relationships with African countries for over 15 years, with North Africa being a crucial market due to its proximity to the Mediterranean. SOCAR also has existing oil trade relationships with Libya and supplies liquefied natural gas to Egypt. The company is seeking to strengthen its presence on the continent through direct investments in energy assets.
SOCAR has recently completed the acquisition of an asset in Côte d'Ivoire and is exploring opportunities to expand its activities in North Africa, West Africa, and sub-Saharan Africa. For Tunisia, the increasing imports of Azerbaijani crude oil have been notable in 2026. The significant growth in imports and SOCAR's statement underscore the growing importance of Azerbaijani oil in Tunisia's energy supply.
The relationship between Azerbaijan and Tunisia in the oil sector has been significant for some time. In 2024, Azerbaijan exported substantial volumes of crude oil and petroleum products to Tunisia. The recent increase in imports highlights the strengthening ties between the two countries in the energy sector. SOCAR's role in Tunisia's refining industry further solidifies its position as a key player in the country's energy landscape.
The growth in Azerbaijani oil exports to Tunisia also reflects the diversification of Tunisia's energy sources. The country's energy needs are being met through a combination of domestic production and imports. The increasing reliance on Azerbaijani crude oil is likely to continue, given the current trends and SOCAR's expanding presence in the region.
As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the partnership between Azerbaijan and Tunisia is expected to play a significant role in meeting the energy needs of the North African country. With SOCAR's continued investment in the region, the future of Azerbaijani-Tunisian energy cooperation appears promising.
Key points
- Tunisia has become one of the main clients for Azerbaijani crude oil, with imports increasing significantly in 2026.
