Russia has imported gasoline from India as domestic refineries struggle to meet fuel demand, underscoring supply pressures in the country’s energy sector.
The purchases, reported by industry sources, come as Russia faces gasoline shortages in key regions, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Domestic refineries have faced operational challenges, including reduced crude processing capacity and logistical bottlenecks exacerbated by Western sanctions targeting the energy and financial sectors.
Imports from India, traditionally a net exporter of gasoline, indicate a shift in trade flows as Russia seeks alternative supply sources. The move follows similar reports of Russian buyers sourcing gasoline from Turkey and the United Arab Emirates amid tightening domestic supplies.
Analysts note that while Russia remains a major oil producer, its refining infrastructure has been constrained by sanctions and the loss of access to Western technology and spare parts. The gasoline shortage has driven domestic prices higher in recent weeks, with some regions imposing temporary restrictions on fuel sales to manage supply.
The Kremlin has not commented publicly on the imports, but officials have acknowledged broader challenges in maintaining fuel production amid ongoing economic pressures. The situation reflects the broader impact of sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, which has been forced to adapt to new trade routes and supply chains.
