Russia considers fuel imports as Ukrainian strikes disrupt refinery operations
Russia is considering gasoline imports amid refinery attacks and fuel shortages (photo: Getty Images)
Russia is looking for ways to ease an acute shortage of gasoline and diesel fuel on its domestic market. Among the measures under consideration are imports of petroleum products and subsidies to curb rising prices, Reuters reports.
According to the newspaper Vedomosti, the issue of fuel imports was discussed at a meeting on fuel supply chaired by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
Industry sources told Reuters that subsidies for imported fuel are also being considered among the options. The measure is intended to help curb rising prices at gas stations.
Shortages are already being felt on the market
Restrictions on fuel sales, rising prices, and queues at gas stations are being reported in various regions of Russia.
Despite being one of the world's largest oil producers, Russia has faced problems supplying petroleum products following attacks on oil refineries.
As a result, Russian authorities were previously forced to impose restrictions on exports of gasoline and aviation fuel.
Gasoline production has declined
According to industry sources, gasoline production in Russia fell by about 25% last week compared with the average daily levels recorded in June 2025.
Output dropped to around 90,000 tonnes per day.
Exports are also falling
Seaborne exports of Russian petroleum products have also declined. According to LSEG data and market sources, they fell by 15% in the first half of June to about 3.3 million tonnes compared with the first half of May.
The decline was caused by unscheduled refinery maintenance following a series of drone attacks.
Reuters previously reported that Russia was already planning to import fuel by sea in June to compensate for gasoline shortages on the domestic market.
