Behind the barrel: The oil traders fueling Israel’s genocide

03/09/2026

How did two little-known private companies become important traders of crude oil for Israel? This long-read reveals how two oil traders help supply the crude oil that fuels Israel’s ongoing military aggression against Palestine, despite mounting legal findings of violations of international law, including genocide. Drawing on shipping data, this research by Oil Change International (OCI) and SOMO, supported by Data Desk, shows how the two companies – Vitol and Heritage Petroleum FZCO – have emerged as major players in crude oil shipments to Israel since late 2023. These two companies have collectively delivered 22 million barrels, representing 11 per cent of the country’s total crude imports. This oil is refined into fuels that, among other things, support Israel’s unlawful military and settlement activities. International bodies have affirmed states’ obligations to prevent genocide and avoid contributing to illegal occupation, settlements, and apartheid, including by regulating companies under their jurisdiction that trade or facilitate the shipment of crude oil to Israeli refineries. But are states fulfilling their legal obligations?

https://palenergyembargo.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Behind-the-Barrel_2026.pdf

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