Russia to import gasoline by sea as shortage looms, sources say
June 17, 2026 6:08 AM PDT
In a rare move for one of the world's largest exporters of oil and refined products, Russia is expected to receive a cargo of gasoline via one of its western ports in June, the sources said.
Russia considered importing fuel by sea last year, another source said, but ultimately domestic supply was sufficient.
But supplies this year have been constrained by months of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, pipelines and fuel storage facilities as it has sought to curb Moscow’s ability to finance its war effort.
One of them said seaborne imports could also be only a temporary measure and were unlikely to provide significant volumes because of logistical issues and high prices.
According to industry sources, the country exported nearly 5 million metric tons of gasoline last year, or about 117,000 barrels per day.