Moscow: In a significant shift in energy trade, Russia has begun importing petrol from India as it grapples with fuel shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian attacks on its oil refining infrastructure. The move marks an unusual reversal for one of the world’s largest energy producers, which is now looking overseas to stabilise domestic fuel supplies.
Industry sources said shipments of Indian gasoline have already started arriving in Russia by sea. Initial consignments are estimated to total around 60,000 metric tonnes, with two cargoes reportedly carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes each. Officials expect additional deliveries in the coming weeks as Moscow looks to ease pressure on its domestic fuel market.
The shortages have disrupted fuel availability across several parts of Russia, leading to long queues at petrol stations, rationing in some regions and a sharp rise in gasoline prices. The situation has intensified during the summer season, when fuel demand typically reaches its annual peak.
The supply crunch follows a series of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy facilities, including oil refineries that play a key role in the country’s fuel production. President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged that the attacks had affected fuel supplies in certain regions, while maintaining that authorities were taking steps to manage the situation.
Apart from India, Russia is also seeking fuel imports from other countries. Belarus has emerged as another important supplier, significantly increasing its exports of petrol to Russia in recent weeks. According to industry estimates, Moscow plans to import nearly 400,000 tonnes of gasoline every month from friendly nations until domestic production normalises.
To address the crisis, Russian lawmakers have approved changes to the country’s tax framework, introducing measures aimed at encouraging fuel imports and easing supply constraints. Reports indicate that import subsidies will be linked to delivery costs, including shipments originating from India.
The development comes even as India continues to strengthen its energy ties with Russia. India’s purchases of Russian crude oil reached record levels in June, with Russian supplies accounting for more than half of the country’s total crude imports. Indian refiners have increased purchases amid disruptions to global shipping routes and uncertainty surrounding supplies from the Middle East.
While the identity of the Indian refinery supplying the gasoline has not been officially disclosed, the latest trade reflects the evolving energy relationship between New Delhi and Moscow. Traditionally, India has been one of the largest buyers of Russian crude, refining it for domestic consumption and exports. The current arrangement, however, sees refined fuel moving in the opposite direction to help Russia bridge an unexpected supply gap.
The development underscores how geopolitical tensions and disruptions to critical energy infrastructure are reshaping global fuel trade, with countries increasingly adapting supply chains to meet rapidly changing market conditions.
