Full Breakdown
Russia to Import Japanese Jet Fuel Amid Deepening Fuel Crisis
7/4/2026, 12:57:01 AM
Planned Import of Japanese Jet Fuel
In early July 2024, Russia will receive at least 200,000 barrels of jet fuel from Chiba, Japan. The cargo will first sail to South Korea, where traders will arrange a ship-to-ship transfer off Yeosu before a second tanker carries it to Russia. The final destination is undisclosed. This would be one of the few foreign jet-fuel imports since the war; the previous shipment was 22,000 barrels transferred from Yeosu to Vladivostok in February 2022.
Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Refineries
Since February 2022, Ukrainian forces have repeatedly struck Russian oil refineries. Reuters reports at least 158 attacks, hitting 24 of the 33 largest plants, each processing over one million metric tons of crude annually. The campaign has disrupted fuel supplies, prompting Moscow to impose purchase restrictions and publicly acknowledge a shortage.
Scale of the Shortage
Jet-fuel exports have fallen to about 13,000 barrels per day in 2024, down from 30,000 bpd in 2023 (Kpler). Summer fuel consumption is 110,000 tons per day, far exceeding the 100,000-150,000 metric tons of gasoline Russia imports monthly from Belarus. Russia also imports 60,000 metric tons of gasoline from India and 50,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline from Kazakhstan.
Logistics and Trade Chain
Unnamed traders in Japan and South Korea will handle the cargo. After loading in Chiba, the fuel will be transferred at sea near Yeosu, a common ship-to-ship hub. Kpler data confirms the 2022 route, underscoring the rarity of such imports under sanctions.
Official Statements
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Russia imports 100,000-150,000 metric tons of gasoline per month from Belarus, below the summer need of 110,000 tons per day. President Vladimir Putin admitted that fuel shortages have become serious enough to require direct government intervention, including a 24-hour monitoring center. Ukraine’s sanctions envoy Vladyslav Vlasiuk said Kyiv is discussing EU sanctions on countries that export gasoline to Russia.
Criticism and Opposition
Ukrainian officials, including President Volodymyr Zelensky, have pledged to intensify strikes on Russian energy facilities, arguing each refinery loss weakens Moscow’s war-financing capacity. The import runs counter to Russia’s earlier ban on jet-fuel exports, highlighting the vulnerability of its domestic refining sector.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources declined to be named, and ministries in Japan, South Korea and Russia have not responded to comment requests, leaving the cargo’s final Russian destination unclear. Reuters and Kyiv Post agree on the shipment size and route, but precise details of the trader network remain undisclosed.
Outlook
Russia’s latest import plan suggests Moscow will continue plugging gaps in its fuel supply. The crisis is already affecting neighboring states: Uzbekistan Airways has reduced flights to Russia, and Kazakhstan is exploring fuel imports from China. Kyiv’s sanctions envoy Vladyslav Vlasiuk said the EU may consider sanctions on countries that export gasoline to Russia.
