Russia, which once supplied crude oil generously to India to meet its energy needs, now finds itself looking to India for help. Ukrainian drone attacks have severely damaged major oil refineries in Russia, causing a huge shortage of petrol and diesel in the country.
To overcome this fuel crisis and stabilise its economy, Russia is now turning to its ally India, with leading Russian companies asking Indian refineries to supply the petrol they need. This marks a striking reversal — India, which had previously bought crude oil from Russia and supported its economy during sanctions, is now the one being approached by Russia for its own fuel needs.
However, this fuel supply is being routed through international traders rather than directly, keeping India safe from Western sanctions. A ship loaded with petrol has already left India to help Russia, and if the situation continues this way, India may need to send diesel to Russia as well in the future.
While Indian companies are receptive to Russia’s request, government sources say there currently isn’t enough petrol in reserve for export. Experts estimate that Ukrainian attacks have reduced Russia’s refining capacity by nearly 80 percent, and that it will take at least two months for capacity to return to normal.
Either way, India is now extending its support to Russia, which had helped India during its own difficult times in the past, as the two longstanding allies navigate a reversal of roles amid the ongoing energy crisis.