Russia is turning to Asia to offset a growing domestic fuel crisis, as nearly 40% of its oil refining capacity remains offline following a wave of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes, according to the pro-Kremlin outlet Kommersant.
The strikes have forced multiple refineries to shut down, disrupting a cornerstone of Moscow’s wartime economy. Some facilities have been taken offline indefinitely, leaving the Russian government scrambling to stabilize the market.
Kommersant reported on Oct. 1 that Russia is preparing to import gasoline from China, South Korea, and Singapore. To make this possible, Moscow is set to lift import duties on fuel entering through certain Far Eastern checkpoints and will subsidize importers to cover the difference between global prices and Russia’s lower domestic fuel rates. The plan could bring about 150,000 tons of gasoline per month into central Russia, routed from Siberian refineries.
Major companies involved in the arrangement include Rosneft, the Independent Oil and Gas Company (NNK), and the state-run Promsyrieimport. In addition, Moscow reportedly intends to increase gasoline imports from Belarus and lift a long-standing ban on monomethylaniline — a toxic octane booster prohibited since 2016 because of its health risks.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, in a letter to Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, cautioned that fuel shortages could continue despite government measures.
Since August 2025, Ukrainian attacks have struck at least 16 of Russia’s 38 refineries, the Financial Times reported, reducing diesel exports to their lowest level in five years. Kyiv has called for tougher Western sanctions on Russia’s energy sector, arguing that cutting oil revenues would undermine Moscow’s ability to fund the war.
President Donald Trump has also urged European allies to stop importing Russian energy, warning that future U.S. actions will depend on Europe reducing its reliance on Moscow.