• ¨     Russia began importing gasoline from India for the first time in history in 2026.

    ¨     The move came amid a domestic fuel shortage caused by repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.

    ¨     The first Indian gasoline cargo reached Russia in August 2026.

    ¨     The shipment was loaded at the Vadinar refinery in Gujarat.

    ¨     A tanker loaded 42,000 tonnes of gasoline at the Vadinar refinery on 18 June 2026.

    ¨     The Vadinar refinery is operated by Nayara Energy Ltd., which has ownership links backed by Rosneft.

    ¨     Russian crude oil accounted for 48% of India’s total crude oil imports in June 2026.

    ¨     Russia’s crude oil processing averaged 3.6 million barrels per day in July 2026.

    ¨     This was around one-third below the normal seasonal level.

    ¨     Russia continued its ban on gasoline and diesel exports to protect domestic fuel supplies.

    ¨     Russia’s monthly gasoline import requirement was estimated at up to 400,000 tonnes.

    ¨     The Indian gasoline cargo was transferred through Damietta port in Egypt before reaching Russia.

    ¨     The shipment reflected wider disruptions in traditional global energy trade routes.

    ¨     Belarus also remained a source of fuel imports for Russia in 2026.