Russia is reportedly seeking gasoline supplies from India as fuel shortages spread across the country amid continued attacks on energy facilities during the war with Ukraine.

According to Reuters, Moscow has turned to India to ease shortages caused by repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. The shortages are being felt across several regions, leading to long queues at fuel stations and rationing in some areas.

Fuel shortages acknowledged by Putin

The issue has also been acknowledged by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking about the situation, Putin said that “problems persist for both motorists and businesses” and “there are still queues at petrol stations, and finding the right grade of petrol isn’t always easy”, Hindustan Times reported.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also referred to the fuel shortages in a statement posted on Telegram.

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“Putin can go on and on, claiming on TV that he supposedly has everything under control.”

He added that Russians can see that the war “has reached the point where even an oil state — a gas station, as Russia used to be called — is now facing gas shortages”.

India supplies gasoline, report claims

Reuters, citing industry officials, reported that India has dispatched around 60,000 metric tons of gasoline to Russia.

According to people familiar with the matter and cited by HT, two tankers carrying cargoes of between 30,000 and 40,000 tons each have already been sent.

The report also said Russia plans to import nearly 400,000 tons of gasoline every month from friendly countries, including Belarus, which has already been supplying fuel to Moscow.

Official comments from the Russian energy ministry and India’s oil ministry are still awaited.

Oil trade remains significant

India and Russia have maintained strong trade ties in crude oil and petroleum products over the years.

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The issue gained attention after US President Donald Trump announced an additional 25 per cent tariff on India over its purchase of Russian oil, accusing New Delhi of “fueling Putin’s war in Ukraine”.

According to LSEG and Kpler data, India’s crude oil imports from Russia reached record levels in June, rising from the share recorded in May 2026.

FAQs:

Why is Russia reportedly importing gasoline from India?

Reports say Russia is facing fuel shortages after attacks on energy facilities.

How much gasoline has India reportedly supplied to Russia?

Reuters reported that around 60,000 metric tons of gasoline were dispatched.