Myanmar to import Russian oil

Military-ruled Myanmar plans to import Russian gasoline and fuel oil to ease supply concerns and rising prices, Qazet.az reports according to a junta spokesperson, the latest developing country to do so amid a global energy crisis.

The Southeast Asian country has maintained friendly ties with Russia, even as both remain under a raft of sanctions from Western countries - Myanmar for a military coup that overthrew an elected government last year, and Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, which it calls a "special military operation".

Russia is seeking new customers for its energy in the region as its biggest export destination, Europe, will impose an embargo on Russian oil in phases later this year.

"We have received permission to import petrol from Russia," military spokesperson Zaw Min Tun said during a news conference on Wednesday, adding that it was favoured for its "quality and low cost".

Fuel oil shipments are due to start arriving from September, according to media.