Nearly 30,000 metric tons of refined fuel products were shipped from South Korea to Russia in late July, according to shiptracking data and a trade source. The shipments come as Ukrainian strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure continue to increase Moscow's demand for imported fuel.

Data from Kpler and Vortexa showed that at least two short-range tankers loaded fuel products from storage tanks at Ulsan container port before departing for Russia's Far East, marking an unusual trading route, The Caspian Post reports, citing Reuters.

According to Kpler data and one trade source, one of the vessels has already arrived in Russia but had not yet discharged its cargo.

Two sources familiar with the shipments said the cargo included diesel fuel, while one of them added that it also contained jet fuel.

South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources declined to comment on the shipments. Russia's Energy Ministry did not respond to Reuters' request for comment.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russia's energy infrastructure, saying the attacks are intended to reduce Moscow's ability to finance its military operations.

Russia has extended its ban on diesel and gasoline exports until January, although some of the restrictions are scheduled to be relaxed beginning on September 1.

Russia is normally a net exporter of diesel. Since Western sanctions were imposed following Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, most of its diesel exports have been directed to Brazil, Türkiye, and countries in West Africa.

Last month, Reuters reported that Russia was expected to receive a cargo of at least 200,000 barrels of jet fuel originating in Japan and routed through South Korea by traders. However, multiple trade sources later said the shipment never took place.

Japan subsequently clarified that its ban on jet fuel exports to Russia also applies to shipments routed through third countries or transferred between vessels at sea.

According to Kpler shiptracking data, the previous recorded fuel shipment from Northeast Asia to Russia took place in February 2022, when 22,000 barrels of jet fuel were shipped from Yeosu, South Korea, and delivered to Vladivostok in Russia's Far East.