Resource-rich Russia, traditionally an energy exporter, is holding talks with other countries about possibly importing fuel, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.
This could happen if Russia could reach agreements at acceptable prices, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to the Russian state-run news agency TASS.
This would be another step towards stabilizing the market and was aimed at fending off panic buying, Peskov said. He did not name any specific countries, but contacts exist, he said.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had also cited imports as a possible measure to ensure stability on the domestic fuel market.
The comments come as Ukraine, which Russia invaded more than four years ago, has significantly expanded its attacks deep inside Russia as part of its defence.
Refineries are repeatedly hit and burst into flames. Kiev wants to disrupt fuel supplies for the Russian army and reduce Moscow's revenues from the energy industry, which are important for financing the war.
Petrol has meanwhile become scarce in numerous regions of Russia and in the occupied territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin also recently acknowledged problems resulting from Ukrainian drone attacks, in particular on energy infrastructure. He said a certain shortage could be observed but not a critical one.
