Russia has begun importing gasoline from India and Belarus to address domestic fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries.
The move marks a significant shift for one of the world's largest oil producers, which now finds itself unable to meet internal demand. This dependency on foreign fuel highlights the vulnerability of Russian energy infrastructure to long-range strikes.
Reports emerging in July 2026 indicate that nearly all of Russia's 83 regions are experiencing fuel shortages [2]. The crisis stems from systemic damage to the nation's refining capacity. According to reports, all 10 of Russia's top refineries currently require repairs [3].
To manage the dwindling supply, the Kremlin has implemented rationing in several areas. In the Altai region, authorities have limited drivers to one fill-up every 24 hours, with a maximum of 30 liters per vehicle [1]. Long queues have become common at stations as the government struggles to stabilize the market.
In a first for the country, Russia began importing gasoline from India in 2026 [4]. These imports, which include shipments from the firm Nayara, are intended to alleviate the shortfall. The Kremlin is also sourcing fuel from Belarus to keep transport networks operational.
Ukrainian forces have targeted refineries to disrupt the logistics of the Russian military and pressure the domestic economy. By damaging the facilities that convert crude oil into usable gasoline, the strikes have forced Moscow to spend foreign currency on fuel that it previously exported for profit.
“Nearly all of Russia's 83 regions are experiencing fuel shortages”
The transition from a net exporter to an importer of refined gasoline reveals a critical failure in Russia's strategic defense of its energy sector. While Russia maintains vast crude oil reserves, the destruction of refining capacity creates a bottleneck that disrupts both civilian life and military logistics. Relying on India for fuel not only increases costs but also grants New Delhi significant leverage in the bilateral relationship.
