Belarus cuts fuel supplies to Russia despite ally’s crisis – Intelligence
Illustrative photo: Belarus cuts gasoline supplies to Russia (Getty Images)
Belarus, against the backdrop of Russia’s fuel crisis, is acting cautiously regarding fuel exports. For Minsk, it is more profitable to supply gasoline to other countries, according to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine.
The intelligence service recalled that Russia is experiencing an ongoing fuel crisis. In particular, the gasoline shortage is forcing local authorities to introduce ration coupons. At the same time, wholesale prices have risen by 8% since early August. However, the ban on gasoline sales has not led to market stabilization.
According to the Foreign Intelligence Service, Belarus could partially compensate for Russia’s fuel deficit, but it acts cautiously. In the second half of August, demand for Belarusian petroleum products increased, but refinery capacities are limited: they produce 3–4 million tons of gasoline per year, of which 2 million are consumed domestically. For comparison, Russia’s monthly demand is about 3 million tons.
It is more profitable for Belarus to send gasoline to China, India, and Africa, where a ton costs between 1,300 and 1,900 dollars, while in Russia, the price offered is under 1,000 dollars. Even during the fuel crisis in March 2024, Minsk sent only 3,000 tons to Russia – just 0.1% of monthly demand.
Strict limits on gasoline
Only last week, the Foreign Intelligence Service reported that in certain Russian regions, as well as in temporarily occupied Crimea, gasoline rationing had been introduced.
Now one person can purchase a maximum of 10 liters of gasoline.
The intelligence service also clarified that, against the backdrop of the crisis, Russia has been forced to purchase fuel from Belarus urgently.
