Introduction – Portugal’s Oil Market: A Quantitative Overview
When it comes to oil, Portugal might not be the first country that comes to mind. It doesn’t sit on vast reserves like some Middle Eastern giants, nor does it produce massive volumes of crude oil. In fact, Portugal’s domestic oil production is, quite frankly, negligible.
But here’s the twist—Portugal plays a strategic role in the global oil trade, thanks to its sophisticated refining capabilities and smart import-export strategies. While it imports most of its crude oil, it refines and exports high-value petroleum products to key markets like the United States, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Let’s put some numbers to it:
– Portugal exported 11 million tonnes of crude oil and refined petroleum in 2022—up 64% from 2021.
– These exports were worth $4.3 billion.
– The Sines refinery, with a capacity of 226,000 barrels/day, is the backbone of this operation.
– In 2023, Portugal produced 10.7 million tonnes of refined oil products, despite a temporary dip due to maintenance.
So, although Portugal doesn’t drill much oil, it certainly knows how to process and sell it.
For businesses looking to source oil from Portugal, this means supplier selection must be driven by data, not assumptions. And that’s where platforms like Freshdi come in—offering real-time insights, RFQ trends, and verified supplier information to support smarter sourcing decisions.
Deep Dive – Key Production, Export Statistics & Market Signals
Portugal’s oil exports have been climbing steadily. From 2021 to 2022, the country saw a 64% increase in oil exports, and the trend appears strong into 2025. While the domestic crude production remains negligible, Portugal’s refining industry is what powers its oil trade.
The bulk of Portugal’s crude oil imports come from Brazil, Algeria, and Nigeria, which are then refined locally. The refined products are then shipped out mainly to:
– United States
– Spain
– The Netherlands
This positioning makes Portugal an important node in Europe’s energy supply chain.
Moreover, demand indicators from Freshdi show increasing RFQ (Request for Quotation) volumes for refined oils and cooking oils from Portuguese suppliers. That’s a strong market signal reflecting both international trust and the growing competitiveness of Portugal-based oil exporters.
Top 8 Verified Oil Suppliers in Portugal – Top Tier Based on Export Data
Choosing a supplier isn’t just about who offers the lowest price—it’s about reliability, certifications, and proven export performance. The following 8 suppliers have been verified based on their export records, customer feedback, and presence on Freshdi, a leading B2B sourcing platform.
Here’s who’s leading in Portugal’s oil sector in 2025:
1. SEEDGE
- Specializes in CBD Oil
- Known for high-purity formulations and compliance with EU standards
- Great for wellness and pharmaceutical buyers
2. Doolibar Comercial
- Offers Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Focuses on premium quality and traceability
- A favorite among gourmet food exporters
3. Porcosta, LDA
- Supplies Organic Soybean Oil
- Certified organic and non-GMO
- Ideal for health-conscious food manufacturers
4. HARD LEVEL ENERGIAS S.A
- Specializes in Used Cooking Oil (UCO)
- A top supplier for biodiesel producers
- Known for consistent supply chains and bulk handling
5. BRANCO CARVALHO NETO (BCN)
- Offers Organic Olive Oil
- Strong presence in eco-friendly markets
- Certified by multiple EU organic authorities
6. G Oliveira & C Santos LDA
- Supplies Palm Oil
- Competitive pricing and large-scale fulfillment
- Excellent for industrial food processing
Dynamic Ranking Note: The B2B platform Freshdi regularly updates supplier rankings via “Suppliers of the Month/Quarter” based on export volumes, RFQ responsiveness, and buyer feedback. So these rankings are dynamic and can shift based on recent performance.
Market Navigation – Statistical Trends, Pricing Analysis & Export Dynamics
Let’s talk numbers again—but this time, let’s zoom into the types of oil being exported and how their pricing fluctuates.
Growing Demand for Refined Oils
In 2025, demand for refined olive oil, soybean oil, and used cooking oil has surged, especially from buyers in Europe and North America. This is reflected in a spike in RFQs on Freshdi, where these variants dominate Portuguese oil listings.
Seasonal Price Shifts
Like most commodities, oil prices in Portugal show seasonal trends. For instance:
– Olive oil prices peak during harvest season (October–January).
– Used cooking oil sees higher demand during summer, driven by biodiesel production.
– Palm oil prices are relatively stable but can spike due to global supply chain disruptions.
Historical price data from 2022 to 2024 shows that buyers who plan purchases during off-peak seasons (spring and early fall) tend to save 10–15% on average.
Conclusion – Leveraging Data for Optimized Supply Chains
Portugal may not pump out barrels of crude oil like some oil-rich nations, but it sure knows how to refine, package, and export high-quality oil products. With strategic import channels, world-class refining infrastructure, and a growing list of verified exporters, Portugal is punching above its weight in the global oil trade.
For global buyers, the key to success lies in:
– Choosing data-verified suppliers
– Monitoring RFQ trends on platforms like Freshdi
– Timing purchases with seasonal pricing patterns
Freshdi empowers buyers with real-time supplier data, market intelligence, and verified trade stats, making it easier to navigate Portugal’s oil export landscape with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Portugal is a refined oil export hub, not a crude oil producer.
- Export volume rose 64% in one year, hitting $4.3 billion in value.
- Major buyers include the US, Spain, and the Netherlands.
- Top-performing suppliers specialize in olive oil, UCO, palm oil, and CBD oil.
- Platforms like Freshdi are essential for sourcing verified, export-ready suppliers.
Checklist for Oil Buyers Sourcing from Portugal
✅ Identify oil type needed (refined, organic, used, etc.)
✅ Use Freshdi to vet supplier certifications and export history
✅ Monitor RFQ volumes to gauge demand
✅ Time purchases around seasonal price dips
✅ Check for “Supplier of the Month” updates on Freshdi
Future Outlook for Portugal’s Oil Sector
Looking ahead, Portugal’s oil export market is expected to:
– Expand into new premium oil categories like hemp and avocado oils
– Increase LNG imports to support refining operations
– Strengthen green energy integration, making UCO and plant-based oils even more attractive
As the energy landscape evolves, Portugal’s adaptability keeps it ahead of the curve. And for buyers? That means more choices, better prices, and reliable partners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Portugal a major oil producer?
No, Portugal produces very little crude oil. Its strength lies in refining imported oil and exporting refined products.
2. What types of oil does Portugal export the most?
Portugal exports a variety of oils, including refined petroleum, olive oil, soybean oil, and used cooking oil.
3. How can I verify a Portuguese oil supplier?
Platforms like Freshdi offer verified supplier profiles, export data, and RFQ histories to help buyers make informed decisions.
4. When is the best time to buy oil products from Portugal?
Prices tend to be lower in spring and early fall, outside of harvest and peak biodiesel production seasons.
5. What are the advantages of sourcing oil from Portugal?
Portugal offers high-quality refined oils, excellent export logistics, and a growing pool of certified and reliable suppliers.
References
- Enerdata – Portugal Energy Market Overview
- Worldometers – Portugal Oil Consumption
- IndexBox – Crude Oil and Petroleum Prices
- OilPrice – Portugal Boosts US and Nigeria Gas Imports
- Reuters – Galp Energia Financials
