Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov confirmed on 30/6 that "discussions are actively underway" regarding gasoline imports, adding that "if an agreement is reached at an acceptable price, gasoline imports will proceed."

This marks a rare admission by Russia of its intent to import fuel. Last week, Reuters reported, citing industry sources, that Russia was discussing importing 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan. At the time, Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy indicated that Moscow had not yet formally proposed fuel imports to the country.

During a meeting with ministers at the Kremlin on 28/6, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukraine's recent campaign of strikes had caused "certain fuel shortages" in the short term across many Russian regions, adding that the government is seeking solutions.

Putin estimated Russia's total gasoline reserves at 1.7 million tons, a 4% decrease compared to the same period last year.

A gas station in Moscow, Russia. Photo: Moskva News Agency

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that gasoline imports are among the "key measures" needed to stabilize the domestic fuel market.

Novak's remarks followed the Russian State Duma's approval last week of amended tax legislation, which allows the government to subsidize imported gasoline.

Russia, the world's second-largest crude oil exporter and third-largest refined petroleum product exporter, has seen gasoline production fall by 25%. This decline comes after Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) attacks reportedly forced the closure of several of the country's major oil refineries.

In response to the reduced supply, Russian authorities have implemented fuel rationing across the country and in the Crimea peninsula. This disruption to fuel sources comes at a critical time, coinciding with the peak summer tourism and agricultural seasons.

Average gasoline prices in Russia have risen by 9.8% since the start of the year, pushing the national average to 71.20 rubles per liter (approximately USD 0.91) as of 22/6.

Over the past three months, Ukraine has carried out dozens of long-range UAV attacks on oil refineries within Russian territory, including a facility on the outskirts of Moscow. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on 25/6 the launch of a 40-day strike campaign aimed at pressing Russia to end the conflict.

By Thanh Tam (Based on reports from Moscow Times, AFP, CBC)