New Delhi: Russia has begun importing gasoline by sea from India as it seeks to ease fuel shortages that have spread across the country following repeated attacks on its energy infrastructure.
The shortages have affected several regions, leading to fuel rationing, long queues at petrol stations and a sharp rise in gasoline prices. The situation has prompted Moscow to explore overseas supplies to stabilise the domestic market and meet growing demand during the peak summer season.
Industry sources indicated that at least 60,000 tonnes of gasoline have already been shipped from India to Russia, with two tankers carrying cargoes estimated at between 30,000 and 40,000 tonnes each. Additional imports are expected in the coming months as authorities attempt to bridge the supply gap.
Russia is reportedly planning to import around 400,000 tonnes of gasoline every month from multiple countries. Belarus is expected to remain a key supplier and has already increased fuel exports to Russia significantly in recent weeks.
Summer fuel demand in Russia remains high, with daily gasoline consumption estimated at more than 110,000 tonnes. The exact Indian refinery supplying the shipments has not yet been identified.
Russian authorities have acknowledged that attacks on oil refineries have disrupted domestic fuel production and contributed to shortages in some areas. In response, the government has introduced measures aimed at supporting fuel imports and reducing pressure on local supplies.
The growing energy cooperation comes as India’s purchases of Russian crude oil reached record levels in June. Indian refiners increased imports of discounted Russian oil to offset concerns over disruptions to supplies from other regions.
Russian crude accounted for more than half of India’s total oil imports during the month, underlining the deepening energy relationship between the two countries amid changing global supply dynamics.
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