Russia has begun importing gasoline from India by sea for the first time in years in an effort to stabilize its domestic fuel market. According to Reuters, citing industry sources, at least 60,000 metric tons of gasoline are already bound for Russian ports aboard two tankers, each carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tons of fuel.

Sources told Reuters that the Russian government is also considering importing up to 400,000 metric tons of gasoline per month from several countries, including India and Belarus. Belarusian suppliers have already significantly increased fuel exports to Russia, with shipments reportedly reaching around 70,000 tons during the first half of June.

The imports come as Russia continues to face fuel shortages. According to Reuters, the supply disruptions have been driven by damage to oil refineries caused by Ukrainian drone strikes, coupled with strong seasonal demand. Several Russian regions have experienced fuel sales restrictions, long queues at filling stations, and rising retail gasoline prices. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov recently confirmed that Moscow is negotiating with foreign partners to secure gasoline imports at competitive prices.

The move is particularly notable given the current structure of Russia–India energy cooperation. Since the introduction of Western sanctions, India has become one of the largest buyers of discounted Russian crude oil, refining it at its domestic facilities. Reuters estimates that India's imports of Russian crude reached approximately 2.7 million barrels per day in June, accounting for more than half of the country's total crude oil imports. As a result, part of the gasoline now being shipped to Russia has effectively been produced from Russian crude that was previously exported to India for refining.

Analysts note that the initial shipment volumes are unlikely to significantly ease the shortage. Russia's summer gasoline consumption exceeds 110,000 metric tons per day, meaning that a 60,000-ton shipment represents less than one day's domestic demand. Nevertheless, the start of gasoline imports marks a significant shift in Russia's fuel market. Traditionally one of the world's largest exporters of refined petroleum products, Russia is now relying on foreign supplies to offset temporary shortages and stabilize domestic fuel prices.

The development also reflects broader changes in global refining and energy trade. India, home to some of the world's largest and most advanced refineries, is increasingly establishing itself as a major global refining hub, particularly for Russian crude. For Moscow, utilizing India's refining capacity provides a means of partially compensating for reduced domestic refining output while helping to maintain fuel supplies amid continued pressure on Russia's energy infrastructure.

#RUSSIA

#INDIA

02.07.2026 03:03