Two years ago, at Oil Resource Group, we launched a platform for trading petroleum products—a commodity marketplace called ORG-Market. Today, it is a crucial sales channel for us, with half of our clients placing orders there. Here, we explore the development prospects of commodity marketplaces in Russia based on our own experience.

Modern Technologies and Niche Marketplaces
Modern technologies continue to unlock new opportunities for sellers and buyers alike, whether for everyday goods or complex markets like commodities. Niche marketplaces, dedicated to specific sectors such as steel, timber, grain, petroleum products, and petrochemicals, are experiencing particularly rapid growth. These platforms enable sellers to showcase their products and quickly connect with buyers.

Launching Our Marketplace
A bit of background on why we decided to create our own marketplace:
Oil Resource Group has been active in the petroleum products trading market since 2014. Today, our group operates in both domestic and export markets, dealing in oil, petrochemicals, grain, and petroleum products, as well as providing industry-specific IT solutions.

To expand sales channels, reduce the workload on managers, and digitize company operations, we launched ORG-Market.com in 2020.

What is a Commodity Marketplace?
A marketplace is a platform that connects buyers and sellers. Unlike online stores, such platforms host products from thousands of entrepreneurs and manufacturers.

One trend is the transformation of major online stores into marketplaces. Previously, platforms like Ozon and Wildberries sold goods directly. Now, they allow third-party sellers to offer products through their platforms.

Marketplaces have long helped streamline daily and routine tasks, saving time and offering convenience. For businesses, especially those led by Generation Z professionals, technology integration is second nature.

Commodity marketplaces, however, are a relatively new concept in e-commerce. These platforms connect buyers and sellers of raw materials used for manufacturing or energy production. Major players in the commodity sector are now launching niche marketplaces for fuel, steel products, grain, and other raw materials.

Why Commodity Marketplaces Are Gaining Popularity
The growth of commodity marketplaces in Russia has been driven by fast internet, mobile technologies, and external factors. Many platforms now offer convenient smartphone applications for users to browse offerings or place orders.

The key advantage lies in the concentration of ready-to-buy users on a single site. Banks are also interested in these platforms, as they can offer instant credit for purchasing raw materials. Transactions can be completed swiftly, even if buyers lack immediate funds.

Benefits of Commodity Marketplaces
Reduced Intermediaries: Buyers can purchase raw materials like metal or fuel directly, bypassing brokers and middlemen. This reduces both time and costs.
Convenient Order Processing: Orders can be placed 24/7 without waiting for a company’s business hours. Buyers receive notifications, and if the seller offers round-the-clock delivery, the goods can be received even at night.
Simplified Record-Keeping: Users can access all transactions in their personal accounts, download documents, and review records as needed.
Order Tracking: Buyers are notified of each transaction stage via order statuses, emails, or app notifications.
Fintech Integration: Tools like Sberbank's 0% installment plan for 30 days enhance the convenience of transactions.
The Future of Commodity Marketplaces
The Russian government is actively supporting the development of platforms that connect buyers and sellers. A newly established body, including representatives from the Central Bank, Ministry of Industry and Trade, and FAS, aims to facilitate the growth of commodity marketplaces. These platforms are seen as catalysts for developing the real economy, especially by simplifying interactions between raw material producers and small-to-medium enterprises.

Current Leaders in Commodity Marketplaces
Platformum: A marketplace for steel products, known for real-time pricing and inventory integration with suppliers' databases.
ORG-Market: Launched by Oil Resource Group, this platform specializes in high-quality petroleum products, offering features like fuel delivery and financial services.
Vtorion: A scrap metal marketplace by the NLMK Group, facilitating transactions for ferrous and non-ferrous scrap materials.
Conclusion
The demand for commodity marketplaces is evident due to their simplicity and cost-saving potential. By removing intermediaries, businesses can reduce costs and gain transparency in pricing. The development of such platforms is vital for the economy, especially during challenging times, and is actively supported by the government. With continued innovation, marketplaces will further streamline procurement processes, benefiting businesses of all sizes.

Sergey Tereshkin
"Digital platforms like ORG-Market are at the forefront of the evolving B2B landscape. The trend is growing rapidly, and we foresee a future where procurement processes become more transparent and efficient, reducing costs and simplifying operations for businesses."