NAYPYIDAW, Myanmar – An army spokesperson said Myanmar plans to import Russian petrol and fuel oil to alleviate supply concerns and rising prices, making it the latest developing country to do so amid a global energy crisis.
The Southeast Asian country has maintained friendly relations with Russia. However, both are subject to a slew of Western sanctions – Myanmar for a military coup that deposed an elected government last year and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a “special military operation.”
Russia is looking for new customers in the region for its energy as its leading export destination, Europe, imposes an embargo on Russian oil in stages later this year.
“We have been granted permission to import petrol from Russia,” military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said at a news conference on Wednesday, adding that it was preferred for its “quality and low cost.”
According to reports, fuel oil shipments will begin arriving in September.
According to Zaw Min Tun, senior General Min Aung Hlaing discussed oil and gas during a trip to Russia last month.
Myanmar is considering joint oil exploration with Russia and China, he said.
