Fiji may begin importing Russian oil amid supply shortages

Fiji could begin importing Russian oil and petroleum products for the first time, according to a Russian diplomatic representative cited by TASS.

Philipp Khanin, Honourary Consul of Fiji in Russia’s North-West region, said that interest from Fijian companies has emerged amid reported fuel shortages in the Pacific island nation.

“An interesting market has now opened up for Russia, one that was not particularly economically viable before. This involves the supply of oil and petroleum products to Fiji, because, due to the situation in the Middle East and around the Strait of Hormuz, the southern Pacific has faced a shortage of oil and oil-derived resources. “We have therefore recently received several enquiries from various Fijian companies asking whether it would be possible to establish relations with Rosneft with a view to supplying petroleum products there,” said Khanin.

He added that discussions were underway with Russian energy companies regarding potential supply arrangements.

“This is not a very traditional market for Russia. But in a situation of turbulence in international relations, when long-standing ties are changing, and traditional partners are being lost, new opportunities for cooperation are emerging that did not exist before. In particular, these enquiries have emerged relatively recently. We are currently working and liaising with colleagues from Rosneft and Lukoil to process these enquiries and, possibly, reach some sort of agreement,” he said.

Khanin noted that logistical challenges would be significant due to the long distance between Russia and Fiji, but said such deliveries would still be feasible.

By Sabina Mammadli