Russia Tries to Import Aviation Fuel; Japan Blocks Exports

Russia's aviation fuel shortage has escalated, prompting attempts to import the commodity, with Japan emerging as a potential source. However, Tokyo has firmly blocked these efforts, refusing to permit the export of aviation fuel to Russia, whether directly or through third-party intermediaries. Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is actively monitoring all possible supply routes to prevent circumvention of sanctions.

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Japan, in cooperation with the G7 and other members of the international community, has imposed a ban on the export of a range of goods to Russia as part of sanctions against Russia, and aviation fuel is also subject to this ban, regardless of how it is delivered.

The situation came to light following reports that Russia was preparing to import at least 200,000 barrels of aviation fuel from Japan's Chiba port in early July. The plan involved sending the fuel first to South Korea before it would be distributed to Russia via a network of intermediaries. In response, Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Ryosei Akazawa stated that the export ban applies regardless of the delivery method, including third-country transit and ship-to-ship transfers.

"Japan, in cooperation with the G7 and other members of the international community, has imposed a ban on the export of a range of goods to Russia as part of sanctions against Russia, and aviation fuel is also subject to this ban, regardless of how it is delivered," Akazawa told Reuters.

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We will continue to implement strict export controls in cooperation with other countries, taking into account the international situation.

Russia's fuel crisis, the most severe in its history, was triggered in June by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, terminals, and fuel depots. The Kremlin responded by banning the export of gasoline and aviation fuel. Despite the ban, a significant deficit emerged, driving wholesale aviation fuel prices to record highs last month. Reports from St. Petersburg Commodity Exchange describe a "practically complete lack of supply" on the Russian market. Major airports, including Makhachkala, Mineralnye Vody, Krasnodar, Astrakhan, and Nizhny Novgorod, have begun rationing aircraft refueling. Azimuth Airlines, a major southern Russian carrier, recently canceled flights due to a critical fuel shortage.

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We are talking about a practically complete lack of supply.