Drone Strikes on Refineries Force Russia to Import Gasoline by Sea for the First Time in Years.

Russia Turns to Gasoline Imports Amid Worsening Fuel Shortage

According to UATV: Russia is preparing to bring in gasoline by sea for the first time in years, driven by a growing fuel deficit linked to Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil infrastructure. On June 17, 2023, Reuters reported Moscow's plan to begin importing gasoline, highlighting serious disruptions to the country's domestic fuel supply. This marks a sharp reversal for a nation that was a major exporter of gasoline just last year.

The first shipment could arrive as early as June 2023 at one of Russia's western ports. However, officials have not disclosed the volumes or the suppliers involved, raising questions about the scale and reliability of this initiative. In 2022, Russia exported nearly 5 million tons of gasoline—roughly 117,000 barrels per day—underscoring how deeply the recent attacks have upended its energy balance.

Attacks on Oil Infrastructure

The situation escalated on June 16, 2023, when Moscow came under drone assault, sparking a fire at the largest oil refinery in the Kapotnya district. Additional strikes hit the TANECO refinery in Tatarstan and the Moscow Refinery. These events reveal serious threats to Russia's energy sector and underscore the urgent need for alternative fuel supply routes.

As a result, Russia is scrambling to address the fuel shortfall caused by external attacks on its oil infrastructure. Importing gasoline by sea may offer a temporary fix, but the specifics of these plans remain unclear.

This predicament highlights the challenges Russia faces in managing its energy policy amid ongoing hostilities. The worsening fuel deficit could have severe consequences for the economy, as gasoline is critical for industry and transportation. At the same time, the shift toward imports may signal a change in how Russia secures its domestic market, potentially affecting pricing and energy security in the months ahead.