Top News

New Delhi: Russia, one of the world’s largest energy producers, is now looking towards India for fuel. Due to Ukraine’s continuous drone attacks, Russia’s energy infrastructure has collapsed and there is a severe shortage of petrol across the country. The situation is such that exporting Russia is now buying petrol from abroad to save domestic supply.

Effect visible in 11 time zones of Russia   

According to media reports, fuel shortage is being felt in 11 time zones of Russia. Rationing has started in many areas, there are long lines at petrol pumps and prices have reached record levels.

Petrol arriving by sea from India   

According to Reuters, Russia has started receiving petrol consignments from India via sea route. Sources said that at least 60,000 metric tons of petrol has been sent from India. Two tankers with capacity of 30,000 to 40,000 tonnes have already departed.

However, it is not yet clear which Indian refinery is supplying. The Kremlin acknowledged this week that Moscow is talking to several countries about buying petrol at reasonable prices to deal with the fuel crisis.

Drone attacks spoil Russia’s energy network   

Ukraine’s drone strikes have targeted Russian oil refineries and energy facilities. Due to this, refining came to a halt and domestic supply reduced. In summer, Russia consumes more than 110,000 metric tons of petrol every day. According to reports, Moscow is planning to import up to 400,000 metric tons of petrol every month.

Belarus also increased supply   

Belarus has also emerged as a big supplier for Russia. Belarus tripled rail shipments of gasoline to Russia in the first half of June, according to Reuters data. During this period, more than 70,000 metric tons of petrol was sent. Russia’s Parliament has approved changes to tax rules for subsidies on imported fuel.

Putin admitted shortcomings, but denied the impact of the attacks   

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukraine’s attacks had caused fuel shortages in many areas. But he insisted it had no impact on military operations in Ukraine. Putin also rejected Ukraine’s proposal to limit long-range strikes.

India-Russia energy relations further strengthened   

India is increasing energy trade with Russia. According to Kpler, India’s crude oil imports from Russia reached a record level in June. Indian refineries increased purchases of discounted Russian oil due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Russia’s share in India’s total crude oil imports in June was more than 50%. India imported about 2.7 million barrels of Russian oil daily.