Russia turns to seaborne gasoline imports for the first time as shortages mount after strikes

India ships gasoline to Russia as fuel crisis deepens

According to Главком: For the first time, Russia has begun importing gasoline by sea, turning to India to address a severe fuel shortage triggered by a wave of Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure. At least 60,000 metric tons of gasoline have been dispatched to Russia, with each of two tankers carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tons. To stabilize its domestic market, Moscow plans to bring in roughly 400,000 tons of gasoline each month from multiple countries.

Fuel rationing and record prices take hold

Shortages are now affecting nearly every region of Russia, leading local authorities to impose gasoline rationing. Pump prices have hit all-time highs, further driving the need for foreign supplies. In response, the Russian parliament approved amendments last week to tax laws that subsidize gasoline imports. The compensation amounts are tied to delivery costs from India and prevailing prices on the Indian market.

• Belarus has boosted its gasoline exports to the Russian market.
• In the first half of June, rail shipments of Belarusian gasoline exceeded 70,000 tons.
• India imported roughly 2.7 million barrels of Russian crude oil per day in June.
• Russian oil now accounts for over 50% of India's total crude imports.

The Kremlin has confirmed it is in talks with other nations about gasoline imports, but has not disclosed which Indian refinery is supplying the fuel.

Russia is thus trying to restore fuel supplies through imports, adjusting its legislation and actively cooperating with foreign partners amid a significant domestic market deficit. Increased imports from India and Belarus highlight serious problems in Russia's energy infrastructure caused by external factors, which could have far-reaching consequences for the country's economy. It is important to monitor further developments, as they may affect fuel prices not only in Russia but also in neighboring countries.

The current fuel crisis in Russia, exacerbated by recent drone strikes, has led to unprecedented shortages and soaring prices. This situation highlights the vulnerabilities in Russia's energy sector and the urgent need for alternative supply sources. For a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to this crisis, read more about how Ukrainian drone attacks have impacted fuel supplies.