Russia to Import 200,000 Barrels of Jet Fuel From Japan as Gasoline Shortages Deepen
Updated
Updated · Daily Kos · Jul 3
Russia to Import 200,000 Barrels of Jet Fuel From Japan as Gasoline Shortages Deepen
3 articles · Updated · Daily Kos · Jul 3
Summary
At least 200,000 barrels of jet fuel are set to load in Chiba in July and reach Russia through South Korea and other intermediaries, according to Reuters sources.
The imports come as Ukraine’s long-range strikes since March have cut Russian refining capacity, worsening gasoline and diesel shortages that Moscow has struggled to contain.
Mikhail Mishustin on July 2 eased domestic fuel rules by cutting mandatory exchange sales of Class 5 gasoline to 10% from 15% and allowing lower Euro-3 gasoline production through Sept. 30.
Those steps have not stopped visible disruptions: Novorossiysk briefly halted gasoline sales citywide on July 3, while footage showed long lines at a Rosneft station near Chita.
ISW said shortages now affect nearly all Russian regions and occupied areas, underscoring how Ukraine’s strikes are pressuring Russia far beyond the front line.
With Putin's approval rating falling, is Ukraine's strategy of targeting Russian oil refineries proving decisive?
Beyond sanctions evasion, how is Russia's 1,500-vessel shadow fleet waging a covert war against NATO?
As both sides deploy advanced drones, who holds the real technological edge in this long-range war of attrition?
Russia’s Jet Fuel Crisis: How 200,000 Barrels from Japan Signal the Impact of Ukraine’s Refinery Strikes and Sanctions Evasion in 2026
Overview
In July 2026, Russia imported at least 200,000 barrels of jet fuel from Japan, routed indirectly through South Korea—a rare move since the Ukraine invasion. This unprecedented import highlights Russia’s severe domestic fuel crisis, which stems from a sustained Ukrainian campaign that has targeted and damaged many Russian oil refineries. As a result, Russia’s ability to produce its own aviation fuel has been crippled, forcing the country to seek alternative supply routes. The situation underscores the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Russia’s energy sector and the growing challenges it faces in maintaining critical fuel supplies.