Russia Turns to Fuel Imports as Refinery Crunch Deepens Amid Ukrainian Attacks
Russia's oil refining sector has been severely impacted by Ukrainian attacks on its energy infrastructure. The disruptions have forced Russia to rely increasingly on imported petroleum products, with over 1 million barrels of gasoline arriving by sea since late July.
The Russian government extended a temporary ban on gasoline exports through January 31, 2027, in an effort to ease domestic supply pressures. Meanwhile, oil companies have been instructed to increase deliveries to regions facing shortages.
According to S&P Global Commodities at Sea (CAS) and Kpler data, over 1 million barrels of Indian-origin gasoline was shipped to Russia via Egypt, while another 300,000-barrel cargo loaded in Morocco also arrived in the country. Additionally, Russia has sourced gasoline from Belarus and Kazakhstan.
Natalia Losada, Senior Oil Products Analyst at Energy Aspects, noted that 'this is still highly unusual and highlights the significantly weakened state of Russia's refining system.'