Russia has approached Indian refiners for additional petrol supplies after a wave of Ukrainian attacks severely disrupted its refining network, marking an unusual shift in the energy relationship between the two countries, according to news agency Reuters.

The request comes as Moscow grapples with its worst petrol shortage in recent years after drone and missile strikes damaged a significant share of its refining capacity. India, which has emerged as the largest buyer of Russian seaborne crude since the Ukraine war began, is now being asked to help plug Russia’s fuel shortfall.

According to the report, major Russian energy firms have contacted both government-run and private Indian refiners seeking more petrol supplies.

Among the Russian companies that have reportedly reached out are Rosneft, Gazprom Neft and Lukoil.

The sources told Reuters that discussions have taken place with both private and government-owned refiners in India. If agreements are reached, any fuel supplies would likely be routed through international traders rather than sold directly.

Three sources at government-owned refiners said they had received requests from Russian companies but currently have no surplus petrol available for export.

Major Indian refiners, including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation, did not commented so far. Russia’s Energy Ministry and the three Russian oil companies also did not comment.

Earlier this month, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri said Indian companies were not directly supplying fuel to Russia. However, he acknowledged that Russian buyers could still obtain Indian-origin fuel through international traders.