Russia Forced to Import Gasoline from India After Ukrainian Strikes on Oil Infrastructure

Russia has begun importing gasoline by sea from India, according to industry sources cited by Reuters. The move is an attempt to mitigate severe fuel shortages resulting from sustained Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.

All Russian regions are now experiencing fuel deficits, with gasoline rationed, long queues at filling stations, and pump prices reaching dizzying heights. The Kremlin confirmed Tuesday it is in talks with other countries about importing fuel at acceptable prices.

At least 60,000 tons of gasoline has been shipped from India to Russia, with two tankers carrying 30,000 to 40,000 tons each. Russia plans to import a total of 400,000 tons of gasoline monthly from various countries, including neighboring Belarus, which has nearly tripled rail deliveries.

President Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries had caused fuel shortages in some regions but claimed Russia was resolving the problem.

Meanwhile, Russian crude oil exports to India hit a record high in June, accounting for over half of India's total oil imports for the first time - approximately 2.7 million barrels per day.