Russia is preparing to import fuel by sea amid shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, Reuters reported, citing four industry sources.
The first shipment of gasoline is expected to be delivered to Russia through one of its western ports as early as June.
According to one source, the supplies will come via Asia, although no details were provided regarding volumes or suppliers.
Another source said Russia had also considered importing fuel by sea last year, but domestic supplies ultimately proved sufficient.
One source noted that seaborne imports may be only a temporary measure and that shipment volumes are unlikely to be significant because of logistical difficulties and costs.
Russia has recently increased fuel imports from Belarus and has also requested small volumes from Kazakhstan. However, neither country has sufficient capacity to supply Russia with fuel in the event of a more serious shortage, according to the report.
