Russia Turns to South Korean Fuel Imports Amid Refinery Strikes

Ship-tracking data from Kpler and Vortexa confirms that approximately 30,000 metric tons of fuel have already begun arriving at Russian ports. This shift coincides with a significant decline in domestic refining capacity, which plummeted last month to 3.6 million barrels daily—a level not seen since 2002 and roughly 30% below seasonal norms. While Russian crude production has seen a modest uptick to over 9 million barrels per day in July, the inability to process this oil into consumer-ready fuel remains a critical bottleneck.

The strategic impact of these strikes extends beyond local shortages. Moscow has extended its diesel export ban through the end of the year and placed tight restrictions on gasoline to protect the internal market. These moves ripple through global energy markets, exacerbating supply tightness that is particularly acute for European consumers. Simultaneously, the regional instability has disrupted transit logistics, including a 50% production cut in Kazakhstan after attacks interfered with the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s operations near Novorossiysk. Despite efforts to repair and restart damaged facilities, President Zelensky recently confirmed that long-range drone strikes remain a core component of Ukraine’s strategy to diminish Russia’s industrial output.