Russia's energy sector is facing unprecedented challenges. Against the backdrop of ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on the country's infrastructure, Moscow is forced to seek emergency solutions to the fuel shortage. The focus has shifted to negotiations with Kazakhstan and large-scale purchases from India.
Shortage and Negotiations with Astana
According to industry sources, Russia is actively negotiating with Kazakhstan on the supply of a large batch of AI-92 gasoline. The planned volume of the deal is about 50,000 tons. These supplies are critical for Moscow, as they are intended to smooth out the domestic shortage caused by the shutdown of several refineries for scheduled and unscheduled repairs.
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that several major refineries in central Russia were forced to suspend operations after Ukrainian drone strikes. According to Reuters, this led to a reduction in gasoline production of approximately 25% year-on-year as of the end of June.
However, Kazakhstan is not in a hurry to make concessions. The country's Minister of Energy, Erlan Akkenzhanov, previously stated that an official request from Moscow has not yet been received. Sources note that Astana is setting tough conditions. Kazakhstan, being a relatively small fuel producer compared to Russia, is unlikely to be able to ensure significant volumes of supplies. Moreover, Kazakhstan itself is experiencing a temporary surplus of gasoline, which will soon disappear: from June 26 to July 20, repair work is being carried out at the Atyrau Refinery, which will reduce existing stocks.
Raw Material Difficulties and Barter Offers
The situation is complicated by problems with raw materials. The Kazakhstani plant "Condensate", which processes gas condensate from the Russian "TANECO" refinery, has export quotas. However, after drone attacks, the Russian company completely suspended oil processing on June 12, which could limit raw material supplies for Kazakhstani plants.
As a possible solution, sources mention a barter deal: gasoline supplies to Russia are possible in exchange for Russian aviation fuel.
Imports from India and Restrictions at Gas Stations
Understanding the risks of dependence on a single source, Moscow is expanding the geography of purchases. It has become known today that Russia has begun importing gasoline from India by sea. This decision is also dictated by the need to mitigate the consequences of the shortage caused by successful strikes on energy infrastructure.
The Russian government has already taken measures to stabilize the market: in July, refineries were allowed to produce fuel with lower quality standards for the domestic market. Nevertheless, the shortage is already being felt by ordinary consumers. In Moscow and the Moscow region, Gazpromneft and Lukoil gas stations have introduced strict sales limits: a customer can purchase no more than 30 liters of gasoline or 60 liters of diesel fuel.
