Russia is set to receive its fifth confirmed seaborne gasoline delivery since late July and its first from Turkey, marking a new supply route as domestic fuel shortages deepen, according to S&P Global Commodities at Sea data. The Medium Range tanker Wendrix, loaded at the Turkish port of Mersin, is due to arrive in Russia next week carrying 200,000 barrels of fuel, according to reporting by.
Tanker Route and International Sanctions
While the exact discharge port remains unclear, ship-tracking data showed the Wendrix sailing through the Baltic Sea off Latvia on the late afternoon of August 21. Russia operates four Baltic Sea ports—St. Petersburg, Vysotsk, Primorsk, and Kaliningrad—and the vessel had already passed Kaliningrad. The vessel, previously known as Jasper, is subject to EU, UK, Ukraine, and Switzerland sanctions. Furthermore, Mersin port appears on Ukraine’s sanctions list over suspected links to Russia, according to Ukrainian media outlet Enkorr.
This Turkish delivery adds a fresh logistics channel to a seaborne import network previously dominated by cargoes moving through transshipment hubs near Egypt. Over the past month, Russia received three vessels loaded at India’s Vadinar terminal via ship-to-ship transfers near Egypt, carrying 356,000, 325,000, and 325,000 barrels respectively, alongside a 300,000-barrel cargo from Morocco at the end of July, according to Kpler ship-tracking data. In total, Russian seaborne imports have exceeded 1 million barrels since late July.
Refinery Strikes and Production Shortfalls
Historically one of the world’s largest motor fuel exporters, Russia began importing seaborne gasoline in July as Ukrainian strikes intensified against its energy infrastructure. Russian crude runs averaged 3.7 million barrels per day in July, representing a 28% drop from the 2025 average, based on estimates from S&P Global Energy CERA analysts. Russian refineries have sustained 17 attacks in August alone, matching the total recorded in July.
Pro Tip: Monitoring movements on key maritime corridors like the Baltic Sea provides early indicators of shifting global energy trade flows during geopolitical disruptions.
To contain the mounting deficit, Moscow banned gasoline exports until the end of January 2027. Diesel export restrictions remain in place until the end of August, with analysts noting a distinct possibility of extension. Regional authorities reported on August 13 that repair work at the Orsk refinery in Orenburg Oblast will likely take up to six months.
Domestic Market Strain and Policy Responses
Shortages have swiftly spread to the retail sector. At least 10 regions reintroduced motor fuel sales restrictions in August, and fill-up limits have returned to Moscow petrol stations. Gasoline trading volumes on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange have dropped roughly 20% since early August.
“A second phase of market tension is indeed currently unfolding,” Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on August 19, addressing the expanding fuel crunch. Additionally, Russian media reported that Moscow is considering an export ban on aromatics, driven by constrained production from unplanned refinery repairs and their heavy usage as gasoline blending components.
Did you know? Turkey exported 6.6 million tons of petroleum products in the first half of the year, with the United States acting as the largest destination at 1.5 million tons, while shipments to Russia included significant volumes of aviation and marine fuel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Russia importing gasoline by sea?
Russia turned to seaborne gasoline imports in July after mounting Ukrainian strikes on domestic energy infrastructure reduced refinery runs and triggered widespread fuel shortages.
What is the scale of Russia’s recent fuel imports?
Total Russian seaborne gasoline imports have surpassed 1 million barrels since late July, sourced from India, Morocco, and now Turkey.
How is the Russian government responding to the shortages?
Moscow has implemented a gasoline export ban running through January 2027, restricted diesel exports, and is reportedly weighing a ban on aromatics.
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