Fuel Pressures Push Russia Toward Japanese Jet Fuel Imports Through South Korea

Russia, amid difficulties in its domestic fuel market, is preparing to import a shipment of Japanese-produced aviation kerosene through South Korea. The volume of the shipment is expected to total at least 200,000 barrels, Reuters reports, citing three industry sources. The cargo is reportedly scheduled to depart from Chiba, Japan, during the first half of July. Near the South Korean port of Yeosu, the fuel is expected to be transferred to another tanker bound for its final destination, which has not been disclosed. According to the report, the last delivery along this route took place in February 2022, meaning the arrangement had been reached before the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine and before Moscow placed Japan on its list of unfriendly countries. At that time, the kerosene shipment was delivered to the port of Vladivostok.