The Southeast Asian nation has maintained pleasant ties with Russia, at the same time as each stay beneath a raft of sanctions from Western nations — Myanmar for a navy coup that overthrew an elected authorities final 12 months, and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a “particular navy operation.”
Russia is in search of new clients for its power within the area as its greatest export vacation spot, Europe, will impose an embargo on Russian oil in phases later this 12 months.
“We have obtained permission to import petrol from Russia,” navy spokesperson Zaw Min Tun stated throughout a information convention on Wednesday, including that it was favored for its “high quality and low price.”
Zaw Min Tun stated junta chief Min Aung Hlaing mentioned oil and fuel throughout a visit to Russia final month. Myanmar now imports its gas by way of Singapore.
Myanmar would take into account joint oil exploration in Myanmar with Russia and China, he stated.
The navy has arrange a Russian Oil Purchasing Committee headed by a detailed ally of Min Aung Hlaing to supervise the shopping for, importing, and transport of gas at affordable costs primarily based on Myanmar’s wants, in keeping with a press release revealed in a state newspaper on Wednesday.
In addition to political turmoil and civil unrest, Myanmar has been hit exhausting by excessive gas costs and energy cuts, prompting its navy management to show to imports of gas oil that can be utilized in energy vegetation.
Petrol costs have surged about 350% for the reason that coup in February final 12 months to 2,300-2,700 kyat (about $1) per litre.
In the previous week, petrol stations have shut down in varied components of the nation due to shortages, in keeping with media experiences.
Russia can also be a significant provider of weapons to the Myanmar navy.