Russia imports gasoline from India amid refinery disruptions and supply shortages

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India to ease mounting fuel shortages triggered by repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure, according to industry sources.

The move marks a rare shift in energy trade, with Russia—one of the world's largest oil producers—turning to India for refined fuel supplies as domestic gasoline availability comes under pressure.

According to sources, at least 60,000 metric tonnes of gasoline have already been shipped from India to Russia through sea routes. Two tankers carrying between 30,000 and 40,000 metric tonnes each have reportedly been dispatched, while Russia is expected to import up to 400,000 metric tonnes of gasoline every month from multiple countries, including neighbouring Belarus.

The shortages have led to fuel rationing, long queues at petrol stations and a sharp rise in gasoline prices across several Russian regions. Summer demand has further worsened the situation, with the country's daily gasoline consumption estimated at more than 110,000 metric tonnes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin recently acknowledged that Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries had disrupted fuel supplies in some parts of the country, although he maintained that the government was taking steps to address the issue.

The Kremlin has confirmed that Russia is in discussions with several countries to secure fuel imports at competitive prices. However, it remains unclear which Indian refiner is supplying the gasoline.

The development comes even as India's imports of Russian crude oil touched record levels in June. Data from ship-tracking firms showed Russian crude accounted for more than half of India's total crude imports during the month, with Indian refiners increasing purchases to offset disruptions in global supply routes.

Russia has also introduced measures to tackle thefuel crunch, including tax amendments and subsidies aimed at making fuel imports more viable.

The latest trade highlights the evolving energy relationship between India and Russia, with India continuing to buy large volumes of discounted Russian crude while also emerging as a supplier of refined petroleum products when required.