YANGON, Myanmar: A spokesperson for the military junta in Myanmar has announced that it plans to import Russian gasoline and fuel oil to help deal with rising prices and ease supply issues.
This move makes Myanmar, which has maintained friendly ties with Russia, the latest developing country to buy oil and fuel from Moscow during the global energy crisis.
Both countries are currently under sanctions imposed by Western countries, with Myanmar being sanctioned for a military coup that overthrew an elected government last year, and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
As its main export destination, Europe is gradually imposing an embargo on its oil this year, and Russia is seeking new customers for its energy products.
During a news conference this week, military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said, “We have received permission to import petrol from Russia,” adding that buying from Russia was favored due to its “quality and low cost.”
According to local media, Russian fuel oil shipments are due to start arriving in September.
Zaw Min Tun noted that during a trip to Russia last month, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing discussed oil and gas, and said Myanmar would consider joint oil explorations with Russia and China.
According to a statement published in a Myanmar state newspaper last week, the military established a Russian Oil Purchasing Committee headed by a close ally of Min Aung Hlaing to oversee the buying, importing and transport of fuel to meet Myanmar’s needs.
Myanmar has been hit hard by high fuel prices and power cuts, forcing its military leadership to import fuel oil that can be used in power plants.
Local media also reported that many gas stations recently closed in Myanmar because of shortages, adding to the current political turmoil and civil unrest.
Russia is also a major supplier of weapons to the Myanmar military.
