Key facts
- Russia is seeking to import 50,000 tons of gasoline from Kazakhstan.
- The request stems from a severe shortage of fuel in Russia due to Ukrainian drone attacks on its refineries.
- Kazakhstan is hesitant to fulfill the request due to concerns about its own energy exports and potential Ukrainian retaliation.
- Kazakhstan's oil exports heavily rely on transit routes through Russia.
- Russia has previously used these transit routes to apply diplomatic pressure on Kazakhstan.
Russia is reportedly seeking to purchase 50,000 tons of gasoline from Kazakhstan to alleviate a fuel crisis exacerbated by sustained Ukrainian drone attacks on its refineries. The attacks have crippled Russian fuel production, leading to shortages and long queues at gas stations, bringing the realities of the war home for many Russians.
Kazakhstan finds itself in a precarious position. While it has not formally agreed to the supply, it has also not refused the request. A major Kazakh refinery is scheduled for planned maintenance from June 26-30, potentially impacting its ability to export. Kazakhstan's economy is heavily dependent on Russian transit routes for its own oil exports, a fact Moscow has previously used to exert diplomatic pressure, such as threatening to halt oil flow to Germany.
However, assisting Russia could invite retaliation from Ukraine, potentially targeting infrastructure crucial for Kazakh energy exports. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously issued warnings, including threatening drone attacks on Belarus if it continues to support Russia's war effort.