Russian oil refiner Forteinvest has signed a new deal that will see Russian gasoline exported to Pakistan for the first time

 Russian oil refiner Forteinvest has signed a new deal that will see Russian gasoline exported to Pakistan for the first time. According to industry sources, Forteinvest has sold a 1,000-tonne batch of gasoline from its Orsk plant to a trader for delivery to Pakistan. The gasoline will be transported from the Orsk refinery near the Kazakhstan border to Afghanistan by rail and then reloaded into tank trucks for delivery to Pakistan. This new agreement comes as Russian refiners are seeking alternative markets for motor fuels ahead of an upcoming EU import ban.

Additionally, this move takes place just days before a new set of Western sanctions are put in place, as G7 countries and the EU aim to limit Russia's revenue from oil exports. The price cap on imported Russian oil products will come into effect on February 5, along with the EU import ban on Russia's refined products.

This marks a significant change for Pakistan, which has had no major commercial energy ties with Russia in the past. Historically, Pakistan has relied on oil from Gulf countries due to their proximity and extended facilities, such as deferred payments. However, Russia's energy minister has indicated that Russia may start exporting oil to Pakistan as early as March if terms are agreed upon.

In 2022, Russia exported 120,000 tons of gasoline, 41,000 tons of diesel, and 104,000 tons of LPG to Afghanistan by rail. This new agreement between Forteinvest and Pakistan marks an exciting step for Russia and Pakistan's energy relationship.