Russia turns to South Korea for fuel as Ukraine strikes energy sites

Traders shipped nearly 30,000 metric tons of refined fuels loading in late July to Russia from South Korea, data from shiptrackers and a trade source showed, as Ukrainian attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure spur demand for imports, Reuters reports.

At least two short-range tankers were loaded with fuel products transferred from tanks at Ulsan container port bound for Russia's Far East, Kpler and Vortexa shiptracking data showed, in an unusual trade.

One of the vessels has arrived in Russia but had yet to discharge, according to Kpler data and one trade source.

Two ⁠sources familiar with the matter said the fuel includes diesel, while one of them said it also includes jet fuel.

Ukrainian forces have been striking Russia's energy infrastructure in what Kyiv says is an effort to deprive Russia of resources to fund its military.

Moscow extended an export ban on diesel and gasoline until January, though some of the restrictions will ease from September 1.

Russia is typically ⁠a net exporter of diesel, with volumes in the aftermath of western sanctions imposed on Moscow following its 2022 Ukraine invasion heading mostly to Brazil, Türkiye and West Africa.

Reuters reported last month that Russia was set to receive a jet fuel cargo of at least 200,000 barrels ⁠originating from Japan through traders to be shipped via South Korea, but multiple trade sources said later that the shipment did not take place.

Tokyo later said that its ban on jet fuel exports ⁠to Russia includes shipments via third countries or transferred at sea.

A previous shipment from Northeast Asia to Russia appears to have been for 22,000 barrels of jet ⁠fuel from Yeosu in South Korea in February 2022, Kpler shiptracking data showed. It was delivered to Vladivostok in Russia's Far East.

By Vafa Guliyeva