Kremlin Confirms It’s in Talks to Import Gasoline

June 30, 2026 A gas station in Moscow. Dmitry Belitsky / Moskva News Agency The Kremlin confirmed Tuesday that the Russian government is in negotiations with other countries to purchase gasoline as it tries to stabilize its domestic market following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and energy infrastructure that have led to fuel rationing. “Discussions are actively being held,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters during a daily briefing. Peskov declined to name the specific countries involved in the talks. “If agreements can be reached at acceptable price points, then [imports] will move forward,” he added. Last week, Reuters cited industry sources as saying that Russia was discussing importing 50,000 metric tons of AI-92 grade gasoline from Kazakhstan. At the time, Kazakhstan’s energy minister said that Moscow had not formally approached Astana for those supplies. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged this weekend that Russia is facing a fuel shortage following recent Ukrainian strikes. He estimated Russia’s total gasoline reserves at 1.7 million metric tons, marking a 4% decline compared to the same period last year. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, meanwhile, said gasoline imports represent one of the “key measures” needed to stabilize the domestic fuel market. Novak’s remarks came after lawmakers in the lower-house State Duma passed tax code changes last week to create government subsidies designed to fund gasoline imports from abroad. Russia, the world’s second-largest exporter of crude oil and third-largest exporter of refined petroleum products, has seen its gasoline production drop by 25% after Ukrainian drone attacks reportedly forced the shutdown of several large refineries. In response to the supply drop, authorities have introduced fuel rationing measures across the country and in annexed Crimea. The disruptions arrive at a critical time, with both the summer vacation travel season and the agricultural farming season in full swing. Read more about: Gasoline Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Small Share of Sevastopol Gas Stations Lift Fuel Rationing Restrictions Nine out of more than 100 gas stations belonging to a single major retailer have resumed sales in annexed Crimea’s biggest city of Sevastopol 1 Min read Sevastopol Begins Rationing Gasoline Due to ‘Logistical Challenges’ The rationing measures in annexed Crimea’s largest city come as Ukrainian drone strikes against oil refineries across Russia cause a slump in fuel production... 2 Min read Russia Bans Producers From Exporting Gasoline Until July 31 Officials said the move was aimed at stabilizing domestic fuel supplies amid rising global oil prices and ahead of the spring planting season. 2 Min read Russian Wholesale Gasoline Prices Jump on Refinery Drone Strikes Wholesale gasoline prices posted their sharpest weekly increase since July 2025. 2 Min read