Russia imports Indian gasoline as drone attacks cripple refineries

Russia, a major oil producer, is facing a significant fuel shortage, forcing it to import gasoline from India. This situation underscores the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks, which have crippled approximately 40% of the country's refining capacity.

A tanker carrying 42,000 tons of gasoline from India's Vadinar refinery is set to dock in Russia's White Sea port by July 26. This import highlights Russia's vulnerability and its need to seek external aid for fuel.

The fuel crisis has prompted various Russian regions to implement restrictions on gasoline purchases. Citizens in some areas are enduring hours-long queues, with an estimated 50 million people affected nationwide. Russia officially announced plans to import fuel in late June to alleviate the situation.

Ironically, the gasoline arriving in Russia is refined from Russian crude oil, which India imports heavily. Nayara Energy, the Indian refinery owner, stated it has never sold and does not plan to sell fuel to Russian companies, emphasizing its commitment to the Indian market. Meanwhile, Belarus has also significantly increased its gasoline sales to Moscow, tripling its exports in June compared to the previous month.

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the difficulties are only temporary and will not change the overall economic dynamics.