Russia Begins Oil Transit to Afghanistan via Iran’s Anzali Port and Railway

Iranian media have reported that the transfer of Russian oil to Afghanistan through Iran’s Anzali Port and railway network has commenced. According to these reports, an initial shipment of 5,000 tons of petroleum products from Russia has arrived at Anzali Port and is scheduled to be transited to Afghanistan from there.

Mostafa Taati-Moghadam, the director of Anzali Port, stated that after unloading at the port, the shipment will be transported to Afghanistan via Iran’s railway network. He also mentioned plans to facilitate direct transfer of cargo from ships to train wagons, a measure that could simplify the loading process.

Officials at Anzali Port have described this initiative as a step toward reducing logistical costs and mitigating environmental challenges associated with overland oil transport. Anzali Port is one of Iran’s key ports on the Caspian Sea coast and plays a crucial role in trade with countries in the Caspian region.

Previously, Afghanistan primarily accessed the Russian market through Central Asian countries, especially Uzbekistan. Activating this route could offer an alternative option for transporting goods between Russia and Afghanistan.

The Taliban administration has yet to comment on the details of this agreement, the conditions of transfer, or its impact on Afghanistan’s domestic market. The lack of clear information about the contractual framework and management of this cooperation raises questions about transparency and its economic consequences.