Russia has taken the lead in Taiwan’s oil products market, with the island nation importing nearly 114,000 barrels of Russian naphtha per day last month. This import level accounted for 66% of Taiwan’s total crude imports for the month, according to data from Kpler.

This surge to an all-time high firmly establishes Russia as Taiwan’s primary supplier, surpassing the United Arab Emirates, which previously held the top spot.

October’s record imports are largely attributed to the recent upgrades at PJSC Novatek’s Ust-Luga refinery. Kpler data shows that Taiwan has been the recipient of 78% of Novatek’s monthly naphtha exports from the Baltic Sea port this year.

Novatek’s Ust-Luga facility, which processes condensate—a very light oil—significantly boosted its output in mid-August with the commissioning of a third splitter. This expansion allowed the refinery to increase its naphtha export volumes, reaching over 195,000 barrels per day in late August and early September, up from the previous 140,000 barrels per day in recent months.