Russia Seeks Foreign Fuel Amid Domestic Shortages
As the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fourth year, the conflict’s impact is no longer limited to the battlefield alone. Russia, a leading oil producer, has been experiencing an unusual shortage of benzene and some petroleum products in recent months. The root cause of this issue lies not in a lack of crude oil, but rather in the capacity losses at refineries that convert crude into gasoline, diesel fuel, and jet fuel.
Ukraine’s drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure, planned maintenance work, and prolonged production stoppages at some refineries have significantly reduced Russia‘s refining capacity. In response, Moscow is considering extending restrictions on motor fuel exports until September. The ban on motor fuel exports has been extended to January 31, 2027.
Fuel Shortages Reach Moscow
The fuel crisis reached Moscow in August, with long queues of vehicles forming at some stations and others temporarily closing. Major companies such as Gazprom Neft, Rosneft, Lukoil, and Tatneft imposed sales restrictions on gasoline at their stations. In some regions, only diesel fuel was available for sale.
One major reason for the crisis is Ukraine’s continued attacks on Russian refineries. In August, the Orsk Refinery in the Orenburg region suffered significant damage after being hit by a Ukrainian drone attack. The refinery, which processes around 6 million tons of crude oil per year, will likely take months to repair.
According to S&P Global data, Russia‘s refining capacity fell to approximately 28% below its July 2025 average in July this year.
Russia Turns to Imports
In response to the crisis, Moscow initially focused on maintaining domestic supplies. Fuel exports were restricted, and some refineries were forced to reduce production. However, as refinery losses continued, a more drastic measure was taken. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that the country would begin importing petroleum products to address the shortage. New shipments arrived by sea and rail from various countries, including India, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and South Korea.
According to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data, over 1 million barrels of gasoline were delivered to Russia via sea routes since July. Turkey was also added to the list of import sources.
A Critical Cargo from Mersin
S&P Global Commodities at Sea data revealed a notable tanker: WENDRIX. With an IMO number of 9299886, this mid-sized petroleum products tanker loaded around 200 million liters of gasoline in Mersin and was headed for Russia via the Turkish Strait. The cargo was recorded as the first sea route fuel shipment from Turkey to Russia.
As of August 21, the tanker was en route through the Baltic Sea, with its final destination still unknown. However, an investigation into the ship’s history and company records revealed connections extending all the way to Istanbul.
Is the Fuel Turkish?
A crucial distinction must be made here. Although WENDRIX loaded its cargo in Mersin, it does not necessarily mean that the gasoline was produced in Turkey. S&P Global’s shipment records show “Loading country: Turkey” but “Product origin: Unknown.” Therefore, it is possible that the 200 million liters of gasoline were produced at a Turkish refinery or imported from another country and stored in Mersin before being shipped to Russia.
Original Article: Petrol devi Rusya benzini dışarıdan arıyor: Mersin’den çıkan tankerin izi İstanbul’a uzandı — Timeturk (Turkish) | View English Translation