Russia Turns to Indian Gasoline as Drone Strikes Hit Refineries

Russia has begun importing gasoline from India to address domestic fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries, according to industry sources and shipping data.

An Oman-flagged tanker delivered approximately 68,000 metric tons of gasoline to Russia's Arctic port of Vitino in early August. The fuel was transferred at Port Said anchorage from the tanker Agni, which had loaded the cargo at India's Vadinar port.

The gasoline is being transshipped by rail to domestic buyers, with deliveries already underway. Traders have indicated the fuel was produced by Indian refiner Nayara Energy.

Moscow has implemented several measures to stabilize its fuel market, including rail imports from Belarus and Kazakhstan and a ban on fuel exports. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced in July that Russia would begin importing oil products to support domestic supply.

Shipping data suggests at least two more gasoline cargoes from India are expected to reach Russian ports within the next two weeks. Russia has also recently begun seaborne imports of diesel from Asia into its Far East ports.