Drone attacks on oil refineries lead to gasoline shortages in Russia - Politico

According to the agency, diesel prices for consumers have risen significantly in Russia. Compared to previous figures, they have increased by almost 10 percent during the last week.

Gasoline prices have also reached a six-month high, up more than 20 percent since the beginning of the year. This is because the constant attacks on refineries are reducing fuel supplies, as more and more companies have to suspend production.

For Russia, the attacks on refineries are critically damaging, as the amount of fuel has decreased not only for civilian consumers but also for military equipment.

In 2023, Russia had to impose a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel due to a shortage in the domestic market. However, on the international market, Russian fuel was more expensive than inside the country. Therefore, intermediaries sold gasoline abroad on the black market.

The situation with oil refineries will force Russia to choose between filling its budget with gasoline and thus sponsoring the war in Ukraine or providing fuel to its military and civilians.

Attacks on Russian refineries

Recently, drone attacks on oil refineries in Russia have become more frequent. According to RBC-Ukraine's sources, attacks on refineries are special operations by the Ukrainian military. They are aimed at reducing fuel production in Russia.

These attacks have caused controversy among Ukraine's Western partners. In particular, the United States initially called on Ukraine to stop these attacks to avoid rising gasoline prices on the international market.

The last attack took place on April 27. A military airfield and two oil refineries in Russia's Krasnodar region were attacked.