In 2024, Russia imported at least 2,456 tonnes of Indian-manufactured fuel additives worth $12.9 million, accounting for 49,6% of its total imports. These liquid chemical compounds are added to aviation fuel, including that used by Su-34 and Su-35S bombers, The Independent reports, citing research by the Economic Security Council of Ukraine (ESCU).
The largest producer of fuel additives supplied to Russia in 2024 was Perfect Traders & Moulders Private Ltd. A total of 1,885 tonnes of its products, worth $10.1 million, were imported by the Russian company Kapron LLC, which is under U.S. sanctions as one of Russia’s key energy-sector assets supporting its military needs. An additional 287 tonnes, worth $1.3 million, were supplied to Kapron LLC by Thermax Limited, while over 70 tonnes were imported through AVK JSC.
According to the organization’s estimates, Russia operates around 70 Su-34 and Su-35S aircraft, which are actively used in the war against Ukraine, particularly for dropping guided aerial bombs (KABs). These aircraft require fuel additives to enhance engine performance and extend their service life. Since Russia is unable to produce the necessary amount within its borders, it replaced American suppliers with Indian manufacturers after Western sanctions were imposed.
“India does not view the exports as inherently problematic because fuel additives can be used in civil aviation as well. But we know Russia is using up most of the fuel to power its military as its internal civil aviation is in dire straits because of sanctions and a lack of international flights,” said Olena Yurchenko, Director for Analytics, Research, and Investigations at the ESCU. After conducting a five-month investigation into India’s fuel additives trade with Russia, Yurchenko noted that India’s role in supporting Moscow’s fuel supply has only increased.
“This support remains crucial simply because, given the current Ukrainian attacks on the oil refineries, some of which produce additives themselves, Russia’s production capacity has been undermined. Hence its dependence on imports will grow even further, meaning India’s role in these supplies will only expand,” Yurchenko explained to The Independent.