Russia May Seek Kerosene Imports from Japan Amid Fuel Shortages

Russia is reportedly considering the import of kerosene from Japan as it confronts persistent fuel shortages following a series of attacks on its energy infrastructure. According to sources familiar with the matter, the country faces increasing pressure on its domestic fuel supply, believed to be a direct result of recent Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian oil refineries and depots.

In response to these disruptions, at least 200,000 barrels of kerosene are expected to be shipped from Chiba, Japan during the first half of July. The fuel will initially be transported to South Korea before being transferred to another tanker off the coast of the port city of Yeosu, and then directed onward to Russia. Multiple trading companies are reportedly involved in orchestrating this complex operation, illustrating the logistical challenges Russia faces in securing alternative fuel sources.

The Russian government has already implemented restrictions on the domestic purchase of fuel products. Agricultural representatives have expressed concerns that the limited availability of fuel could jeopardize harvest operations. In the Black Sea port city of Novorossiysk, which serves as Russia's primary oil export terminal, authorities have suspended retail gasoline sales to private consumers. Instead, gasoline is distributed via fuel cards to city services and businesses. Diesel fuel remains available for purchase. In Anapa, a popular vacation destination, local authorities have enlisted Cossack groups to help maintain order among motorists in long queues waiting at fuel stations.

As the world's third-largest oil producer, Russia has increasingly relied on imports from countries such as India to meet its domestic gasoline demand. The latest initiative to import kerosene from Japan marks a significant shift, reflecting the severity of the supply constraints. Data from energy analytics firm Kpler indicate that Russian kerosene exports have declined substantially in 2026, averaging approximately 13,000 barrels per day, compared to around 30,000 barrels per day in the previous year. The last notable import of kerosene into Russia from South Korea, totaling 22,000 barrels, occurred in February 2022 and was shipped to Vladivostok.

The planned shipment from Japan is expected to involve a ship-to-ship transfer near South Korea, a method commonly used to conceal cargo origins and destinations in complex international trade. The final Russian destination for the kerosene has not yet been disclosed. Requests for comment from the Russian Ministry of Energy and the Japanese Ministry of Economy have so far gone unanswered, while the South Korean Ministry of Industry has declined to comment.

These developments occur amid ongoing Ukrainian efforts to target Russian energy assets, which have intensified supply disruptions and contributed to sharp declines in fuel availability throughout parts of Russia. The resulting fuel shortages have led to significant measures by regional and federal authorities, aiming to stabilize the situation and maintain the operability of critical sectors, including agriculture and public services.

The evolving situation underscores the complexity of global fuel markets and the far-reaching impacts of ongoing conflict and geopolitical tensions in the region. As Russia adapts to these challenges, its strategies for securing essential energy imports are likely to draw continued international attention.