Fuel crisis in Russia worsens after Ukrainian drone strikes — Reuters
Photo: Gasoline disappears from Russian gas stations thanks to Ukrainian drone strikes (Russian media)
There is a gasoline shortage at some gas stations in Russia. Private gas stations are experiencing the most difficulties, according to Reuters.
Fuel shortage in Russia amid Ukrainian drone attacks
Russia is facing a shortage of certain types of fuel. According to sources among traders and retailers, Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and export terminals are reducing oil processing, and high interest rates are preventing private gas stations from building up reserves.
Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure to reduce Moscow's export revenues, cause discontent within the country, and push the Kremlin to negotiate peace.
Reduced oil refining and risks for gasoline
The attacks have reduced oil refining in Russia by almost a fifth on some days and cut exports from key ports. Despite a large surplus of diesel, gasoline production meets domestic demand, so reduced refining could lead to shortages.
There are no long lines at gas stations, but certain brands of gasoline, such as the popular Ai 92 and Ai 95, are often unavailable.
Regional problems and causes of disruptions
Gasoline shortages first appeared in the Far East and Crimea in August. Later, similar problems were observed in the Volga-Vyatka region, in the south, and in central Russia. Gleb Nikitin, governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, said on Telegram that the temporary disruptions are related to supply chains and should be resolved in the coming days.
The problems are particularly acute at private gas stations that are not part of vertically integrated oil companies and are experiencing difficulties in purchasing gasoline due to reduced refining and high interest rates (17%). Gas stations owned by large oil companies are operating as usual.
Impact on Russian economy
Independent gas stations account for about 40% of sales in Russia. An employee at a gas station in western Belgorod noted that the station was temporarily closed due to a lack of gasoline, and a similar situation was observed in a neighboring village.
The Russian economy is still withstanding the sanctions, but it is slowing down. The number of bankruptcies and business closures is growing, particularly in the coal industry, and exports continue to decline.
Ukrainian drone strikes
In the summer of 2025, Ukraine resumed strikes on Russian oil refineries and pipelines. This happened after Russia violated an undeclared moratorium on mutual strikes on energy facilities in June.
According to Reuters calculations, Ukrainian strikes disabled facilities that accounted for at least 17% of Russia's oil refining capacity, or 1.1 million barrels per day.
