Alkagesta has transformed Malta from a regional bunkering stop into a global hub for energy and commodity trading, as reported by MaltaCEOs. CEO Orkhan Rustamov explained that the company aimed to change Malta's historical perception as a local service point, establishing it as a serious global player in commodity trading.
The company, founded in 2017, focused on connecting landlocked regions, particularly in Central Asia, with major marine hubs such as Turkey, Greece, and Malta. Rustamov noted that Malta served as an ideal outpost due to consistent demand for marine fuels and its natural gateway to wider Mediterranean trade flows.
Malta's strategic location at the crossroads of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, combined with a business-friendly climate and an EU-regulated legal framework, provided a stable environment for operations. Alkagesta's onshore activities, compliant with Maltese and EU regulations, have established Malta as a hub for global commodity flows.
Alkagesta's diverse portfolio includes petroleum products, fertilisers, and biofuels. The company acts as a physical trader, managing the entire value chain from procurement and storage to multimodal logistics across rail, road, container, and sea, connecting regions of surplus with markets of demand.
The company has played a role in helping the Mediterranean region comply with IMO fuel regulations, including the 2020 mandate and the 2025 move towards ultra-low sulphur fuels. Alkagesta is also investing in biofuels, becoming an ISCC-certified trader with storage, viewing it as a strategic growth area linked to its marine and transport businesses.
Operating from its Malta base, Alkagesta maintains 17 offices and representations globally, trading with 42 countries. Rustamov emphasised that Malta remains central to the company's identity and international growth, contributing to the local economy through job creation and ties with financial institutions.
