Russia begins importing gasoline from India as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple domestic refining, triggering shortages across the country

Ukraine’s attacks cut refining capacity

Ukrainian forces have intensified an aerial campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure in recent months. The strikes on oil refineries have reduced domestic processing capacity by almost 30%, according to industry analysts cited in the reports. The resulting disruption to fuel supply chains has hampered Moscow’s military logistics while emptying petrol stations across the country.

“Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries have led to fuel shortages in some regions.”

Russia turns to India and Belarus

To ease the shortfall, Russia has started importing gasoline by sea from India. At least 60,000 tonnes of gasoline have already been dispatched aboard two tankers carrying 30,000–40,000 tonnes each, industry sources told Reuters. Moscow reportedly aims to bring in roughly 400,000 tonnes of gasoline per month from various suppliers, including neighbouring Belarus, which has nearly tripled its rail deliveries to over 70,000 tonnes in the first half of June.

Shortages hit cities and villages

Summer daily gasoline demand in Russia stands at a minimum of 110,000 tonnes. Across the country, long queues are forming at the pumps. Some stations have introduced limits of 20 to 30 litres per person; others have run dry entirely. In several cities, police are watching to stop drivers from filling canisters. Officials have begun urging people to use public transport and railways for holiday travel.

“What’s happening is surreal. Gasoline disappears within an hour and prices shoot up.”

Officials claim market is well‑supplied

Vice Premier Alexander Novak admitted on 1 July that some stations are suffering interruptions, but he insisted the domestic market is "well supplied". President Putin acknowledged the shortages during a government meeting on 29 June, calling them temporary and expressing hope they would be resolved by July. The Russian parliament has approved tax changes and subsidies for fuel imports to help stabilise the situation.

“The domestic market is well supplied with gasoline and diesel; shortages at individual stations arise from changes in logistics chains.”

India boosts Russian crude imports

As Russia scrambles to import refined fuel, its crude oil exports to India hit a record 2.7 million barrels per day in June. The surge was partly driven by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which forced India to seek alternative sources. Russian crude accounted for more than half of India’s total oil imports last month, up from 36.5% in May.