Running short of gasoline, Russia turns to Morocco for supplies
Russia, one of the world’s oil giants, has brought in 30,000 tonnes of gasoline from Tangier. Ukrainian strikes on its refineries are causing shortages and forcing Moscow to seek fuel abroad.
A Panamanian-flagged tanker loaded approximately 30,000 tonnes of AI-92 gasoline at the port of Tangier in mid-July. The vessel is currently unloading its cargo in Murmansk, in the Russian Arctic.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Russian Diesel Dependence Crisis Supply
The operation comes as repeated attacks by Ukrainian drones have shut down several major refineries. At the beginning of July, Russian gasoline production covered only around 65% of usual summer consumption, causing price increases and restrictions in several regions.
A petroleum power forced to import
The cargo was reportedly supplied by the Russian group Lukoil, according to two industry sources cited by Reuters. The company did not comment on the operation.
Russia has also banned its fuel exports and increased its supplies by rail from Belarus and Kazakhstan. It recently began importing Indian gasoline by sea.
On Bladi.net : Morocco Fuel Prices Rise July 16 - Diesel Diesel Costs More
The loading in Tangier confirms the urgency of the situation for Moscow. However, it does not establish that the gasoline was produced or refined in Morocco: the available information only establishes that the cargo departed from the Moroccan port.