According to OilPrice, Russia is reported to have started importing gasoline from India to cover domestic shortages, particularly acute in southern regions and the Crimea, with two tankers expected to deliver at least 60,000 metric tonnes alongside higher overland imports from Belarus. 

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India via seaborne shipments to mitigate severe domestic fuel shortages. This crisis was triggered by extensive Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian oil infrastructure, which crippled critical refining capacity.

Russia is planning to import around 400,000 tons of gasoline per month from multiple countries. Industry sources indicate that at least 60,000 to 80,000 metric tonnes of petrol have already been dispatched from India. The fuel is reportedly being sourced through trading firms from Indian refiners like Nayara Energy, which processes discounted Russian crude.

The shortfall has resulted in long queues at filling stations, rationing limits (often 20 to 30 liters per vehicle), and record-high gasoline prices across several Russian regions. Historically, India is one of the largest buyers of Russian crude oil. In June, India’s imports of Russian crude hit a record 2.7 million barrels per day.

Maria Kutuzova