Russia Imports Indian Gasoline to Combat Refinery Shortages

The Federal Government of Russia has begun importing gasoline from India for the first time to mitigate severe domestic fuel shortages. This shift follows intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries, which caused crude-processing rates to drop to 3.6 million barrels a day in July, approximately one-third below the seasonal norm.

Data from Kpler indicates the first shipment arrived on August 5. The fuel was sourced from Nayara Energy Ltd., an Indian processor backed by PJSC Rosneft Oil Company. To reduce travel time and bypass sanctions, the gasoline is transported via Russian-linked tankers and ship-to-ship transfers at Damietta Port off the coast of Egypt.

In an effort to prioritize local consumption and stabilize the internal market, Moscow has banned the export of gasoline and diesel.