Russia Seeks Asian Gasoline Amid Deepening Fuel Crisis

Russia is reportedly planning to seek gasoline imports from an unspecified Asian nation to address a growing fuel crisis, according to sources cited by Reuters. The fuel is expected to be delivered via sea to one of Russia's western ports in June.

This move comes after a recent drone attack on the Kapotnya oil refinery on the night of June 18. This facility is crucial, accounting for approximately 40% of the oil refining capacity in the Moscow region and supplying about one-fifth of the local fuel market. The refinery had previously suspended operations after another drone strike on June 16 damaged its main processing unit, which represents about 53% of the plant's capacity.

Analysts express skepticism about the effectiveness of potential fuel imports. Andrei Makhovsky, an economic observer, doubts that fuel from Belarus could adequately cover Russia's needs, noting that Belarus's gasoline production is less than 10% of Russia's consumption. He also anticipates significant logistical challenges and high costs associated with sourcing fuel from Asia, describing it as a "desperate measure."

Makhovsky characterizes the current fuel crisis as potentially the most severe of the war, highlighting the systematic and large-scale Ukrainian attacks on Russia's oil refining sector. He points out that in May alone, 16 refineries were targeted, including eight of the ten largest, marking an unprecedented level of disruption. The effectiveness of Ukrainian drones in these attacks and Russia's struggles with air defense remain key questions.