Russia Imports Petrol From India as Ukraine Drone Strikes Trigger Fuel Crisis

Why Is Russia Importing Petrol From India?

Russia has begun importing petrol from India after months of Ukrainian drone strikes severely disrupted its domestic oil refining capacity, forcing Moscow to look overseas for fuel supplies. The move marks a significant shift for one of the world’s largest energy producers, highlighting the growing impact of Ukraine’s attacks on Russia’s critical energy infrastructure.

According to reports, repeated strikes on oil refineries, fuel depots, and storage facilities have created supply shortages across Russia, leading to fuel rationing in some regions, long queues at petrol stations, and record-high petrol prices. As domestic production struggles to keep pace with demand, imports have emerged as a short-term solution to stabilise the market.

How Is India Helping Russia Ease the Fuel Shortage?

Industry sources cited by Reuters said at least 60,000 metric tonnes of petrol have already been dispatched from India to Russia. Two fuel tankers carrying cargoes of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes each have reportedly been sent to support Russia’s fuel supply.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed that Moscow is also holding discussions with other countries regarding fuel imports, describing the move as an effort to reduce panic buying and stabilise domestic fuel availability.

In addition, Russia’s parliament has approved amendments to its tax code, including subsidies linked to imported fuel, making overseas purchases more economically viable. Reports suggest Russia plans to import around 400,000 tonnes of petrol every month, including supplies from neighbouring Belarus.

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How Have Ukraine’s Attacks Disrupted Russia’s Energy Sector?

Since late March, Ukraine has intensified its campaign against Russian energy infrastructure, carrying out more than 50 drone attacks on oil refineries, storage depots, fuel terminals, and other strategic facilities across Russia and the annexed Crimean Peninsula.

The attacks have reduced Russia’s petrol production by nearly 17%, lowering output to around 850,000 barrels per day from approximately 1.03 million barrels previously. This decline has created a significant gap between domestic fuel production and seasonal demand, particularly during the summer when petrol consumption exceeds 110,000 tonnes per day.

The continued strikes have also disrupted supply chains, forcing authorities in some regions to introduce fuel rationing and temporarily suspend civilian fuel sales.

What Are Russian Authorities Saying About the Crisis?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged that motorists and businesses are experiencing fuel related challenges, admitting that queues have formed at petrol stations and that certain fuel grades are becoming difficult to find. However, he insisted that the shortages are temporary and said Russia’s petrol stockpiles remain only 4% lower than last year’s levels.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also sought to reassure consumers, stating that the country’s fuel market remains broadly supplied and that shortages at some filling stations are primarily the result of supply chain disruptions rather than a nationwide collapse in fuel availability.

The government continues to implement measures aimed at maintaining stable retail fuel prices while restoring normal supply across affected regions.

What Does This Mean for Global Energy Markets?

Russia’s decision to import petrol underscores how geopolitical conflicts can reshape global energy trade, even for countries that are traditionally major fuel exporters. India’s role as a supplier further strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading refining hubs, capable of meeting international demand during periods of supply disruption.

As the conflict continues, energy markets are expected to closely monitor both Russia’s refining capacity and Ukraine’s ongoing attacks on critical infrastructure. The situation also highlights the growing importance of resilient fuel supply chains, strategic reserves, and diversified sourcing in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape.