Seaborne imports of motor fuels to Russia fell by about 24 per cent month-on-month in September to 350,000 tonnes, according to industry sources, LSEG data and Reuters calculations.
Moscow continued to struggle with oil product shortages in several regions following Ukrainian drone strikes on key refineries.
The main bulk of seaborne fuel imports into Russian ports in September consisted of gasoline supplied from India, Morocco and Turkey, traders said.
Meanwhile, at least four tankers carrying a combined 200,000 tonnes of gasoline are expected to discharge at Russian ports over the coming week, according to LSEG data and industry sources.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said in mid-August that Russia had begun importing fuel, but did not disclose any details on the volumes or sources of the imports.
Previously, Russia has also introduced a range of measures to support the domestic fuel market, including rail imports of gasoline from Belarus and Kazakhstan and a fuel exports ban.
In September, drones struck and halted operations at several major refineries, including plants in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ryazan and Kirishi.
(Reporting by Reuters. Editing by Elaine Hardcastle)