Photo: EPA
Russia has started importing gasoline by sea from India as it seeks to ease a growing fuel shortage caused by Ukrainian strikes on its energy infrastructure, Reuters reported, citing sources.
According to the report, at least 60,000 metric tons of gasoline have already been shipped from India to Russia. One source told Reuters that two tankers carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 tons each have been dispatched.
The Kremlin has officially confirmed that it is in talks with foreign partners about fuel imports. Reuters' source said Russia plans to import up to 400,000 tons of gasoline per month from various countries.
During the summer, Russia consumes at least 110,000 tons of gasoline per day, highlighting the scale of the supply challenge.
Fuel prices in Russia have already climbed to record highs. The shortage, driven by repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, has triggered an unprecedented increase in spot prices for gasoline and diesel fuel.
Russian media previously reported that, faced with dwindling supplies, Moscow had begun purchasing gasoline from Asian markets while also restricting fuel exports.
In his article "From burning refineries to a naval blockade: Ukraine's new strategy to pressure Russia," energy expert Mykhailo Honchar argued that Ukraine's long-term strategic objective should be a blockade of Russia's Black Sea ports. Among the possible measures, he identified strikes on fuel tankers transporting gasoline to Russian ports.
