Military-controlled Myanmar plans to import Russian gasoline and bunker oil to ease supply concerns and rising prices, it said. A spokesman for the military government said. energy crisis.
The Southeast Asian country has maintained friendly relations with Russia, but both are subject to a number of sanctions from the West. Myanmar last year staged a military coup that overthrew its elected government, while Russia invaded Ukraine. , it is called "Special Military Operations".
Russia is looking for new energy customers in the region as Europe, its largest export destination, imposes a gradual embargo on Russian oil later this year.
"We have obtained permission to import gasoline from Russia," military spokesman Zaw Min Tun said at a press conference on Wednesday, adding that it was favored for "quality and low cost."
According to the media, bunker shipments are expected to begin in September.
Zaw Min Tun said that military junta chief Min Aung Hlaing discussed oil and gas during a visit to Russia last month. Myanmar currently imports fuel through Singapore.
Myanmar would consider joint oil exploration in Myanmar with Russia and China, he said.
According to a statement issued on, the military will seek to oversee the purchase, import and transportation of fuel at reasonable prices based on Myanmar's needs. established the Russian Oil Purchasing Commission headed by Mr. State newspaper on Wednesday.
In addition to political turmoil and social unrest, Myanmar has been hit hard by high fuel prices and blackouts, with military leaders turning to imported fuel oil for use in power plants.
Gasoline prices have risen by about 350% since the coup d'état last February, to about $1 (2,300-2,700 kyats) per liter.
In the past week, according to media reports, petrol stations have closed in various parts of the country due to shortages.
Russia is also a major arms supplier to the Myanmar military.
