Russia is in discussions with Kazakhstan to import around 50,000 metric tonnes of AI-92 gasoline as it grapples with a domestic fuel shortage caused by refinery outages and damage from Ukrainian drone attacks, according to industry sources.
Several major refineries in central Russia have either shut down or undergone unscheduled repairs following repeated drone strikes, reducing the country’s gasoline production by an estimated 25% year-on-year by late June. The supply disruption has prompted Moscow to explore unusual measures, including fuel imports, despite being one of the world’s largest fuel exporters.
While Russia’s Energy Ministry has not commented on the reports, Kazakhstan’s Energy Minister Erlan Akkenzhenov said Astana has not yet received an official request from Moscow for gasoline supplies.
To stabilise the domestic fuel market, the Russian government is reportedly considering a range of emergency measures. These include restricting fuel exports, increasing subsidies for domestic refiners and allowing the production of gasoline and diesel with lower quality specifications for local consumption. Russia is also exploring seaborne gasoline imports, highlighting the severity of the supply crunch.
Kazakhstan, although significantly smaller than Russia in fuel production, currently has a surplus of gasoline. However, maintenance work at the Atyrau refinery between June 26 and July 20 is expected to reduce available reserves. One potential supplier is the Kondensat refinery, which processes gas condensate from Russia’s TANECO refinery. However, TANECO suspended crude processing after a drone attack in mid-June, potentially affecting feedstock supplies.
Industry sources suggested that a fuel swap could be possible, with Kazakhstan supplying gasoline in exchange for Russian jet fuel. Kazakhstan is expected to face a jet fuel shortage in July due to rising domestic demand, refinery maintenance and reduced imports from Russia.
Both countries are members of the Eurasian Economic Union, alongside Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia, allowing duty-free hydrocarbon trade and facilitating cross-border fuel supplies during periods of market disruption.
