India Emerges as Key Petrol Supplier to Russia
India emerged as a major exporter of gasoline to Russia in July and August 2026, when Indian refiners shipped nearly 1 million barrels of petrol to meet Russian fuel shortages. Shipping data from energy analytics firm Vortexa placed the first delivery on 5 August 2026, and Russia’s seaborne gasoline imports rose to about 125,000 barrels per day in August 2026.
The surge in Indian gasoline exports to Russia was driven by record volumes of Russian crude oil imported into India. In June and July 2026, India imported over 2.6 million barrels per day of Russian crude oil, which was then processed by Indian refineries and exported as refined petrol back to Russia. This created a two-way energy trade cycle between the two countries.
India-Russia Fuel Trade
India‘s refining capacity stood at 272 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) and was moving towards a target of 300 MMTPA. India ranks among the world’s major refining centers because it processes imported crude oil into petrol, diesel, aviation turbine fuel, and other petroleum products.
The Vadinar refinery on the Gujarat coast played a significant role in India‘s gasoline exports to Russia. Nayara Energy operates the refinery, and Rosneft, Russia’s state-backed oil company, owns 50% of the firm. Vadinar is one of India’s large coastal refining hubs with access to seaborne crude and product exports.
Russian Refinery Disruptions
Ukrainian forces carried out an estimated 32 drone strikes on Russian refineries in July and August 2026. These attacks disrupted domestic refining operations and reduced Russia‘s domestic fuel production by up to 70% in some assessments. Russia also maintained a ban on fuel exports to protect its internal market.
The refinery disruptions in Russia led to increased dependence on imported refined products, including gasoline. Turkey and Morocco were identified as overseas fuel suppliers helping Russia manage its domestic deficit in August 2026.
Original Article: India Emerges as Key Petrol Supplier to Russia – GKToday — Gktoday