A Panama-flagged tanker loaded approximately 30,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline at the Moroccan port of Tangier in mid-July and is now unloading the shipment in Russia's Murmansk. Two informed sources told Reuters about this, according to UNN. The supplier was Lukoil company.
Data from the St. Petersburg commodity and raw materials exchange confirm that AI-92 gasoline is already being offered for delivery by rail from the Kola station, which serves the Murmansk port.
Consequence of Refinery Strikes
Repeated attacks by Ukrainian drones on refineries have led to capacity shutdowns and price spikes in the domestic market. In early July, gasoline production in Russia fell to approximately 65% of average summer consumption levels.
The production cut has already forced authorities to limit gasoline sales in several regions of the country.
Search for Alternative Channels
The Moroccan shipment is not the first import of this kind. Reuters previously reported that Russia began importing gasoline by sea from India as well, and additionally by rail from Belarus and Kazakhstan.
In parallel, Moscow introduced a ban on its own gasoline exports — it was recently extended until the end of January 2027. Vice Premier Alexander Novak publicly acknowledged in mid-July that the country would begin importing petroleum products to stabilize the market amid the shortage caused by refinery shutdowns and growing demand.
Lukoil did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment.
The diversification of suppliers — from Morocco to India — shows that internal reserves and traditional channels (Belarus, Kazakhstan) no longer cover the deficit. The question is how long the refinery shutdowns will last and whether imports can compensate for losses if strikes on processing facilities continue at the same intensity.
