Russia starts seaborne gasoline imports from India to address domestic fuel shortages, according to multiple reports citing industry sources. The move comes as fuel supply pressures worsen across Russia, including in multiple time zones, with reports of rationing, long queues at filling stations and sharp increases in domestic gasoline prices. Several outlets link the shortages to Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s energy infrastructure.
The Kremlin says it is in contact with other countries and discussing fuel imports at “acceptable prices.” Russia’s Energy Ministry and India’s Oil Ministry do not immediately comment on the specific shipments. Industry sources cited by Reuters-related coverage and Indian outlets say the first Indian shipments are already under way. One source says at least 60,000 metric tonnes of gasoline have been dispatched from India to Russia, while another says two tankers carrying parcels of roughly 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes each have departed.
One report also says Russia plans to import up to 400,000 tonnes of gasoline per month from several countries, including Belarus, to supplement domestic supply during high summer demand, when consumption is reported at at least 110,000 tonnes per day.
