Russia is negotiating with Kazakhstan over a possible purchase of 50,000 tons of AI-92 gasoline. Reuters reported this, citing sources familiar with the talks.
According to the agency’s sources, Moscow hopes the deal would help ease a fuel shortage on the domestic market. The sources added that the agreement could go ahead if Russia transfers surplus jet fuel to Kazakhstan.
At the same time, Reuters notes that Kazakhstan is unlikely to have sufficient capacity to supply such a large volume of gasoline. According to the agency, the country’s production base may be too limited to fulfill an order of that scale.
In June, dozens of Russian regions imposed restrictions on the free sale of gasoline and diesel fuel. These measures were introduced amid disruptions in the oil refining sector.
Reuters says the shortage was caused by the shutdown of many refineries following Ukrainian drone attacks. Against that backdrop, the Russian authorities are looking for ways to stabilize the fuel market.