Russia imposes new fuel rationing amid refinery attacks and rising prices
Following recent Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, authorities in several regions have introduced fuel purchase limits as gasoline prices climb and export bans remain in effect.
Ukraine’s recent drone attacks on three major Russian oil refineries in Moscow, Samara and Ufa have reportedly reduced Russia’s refining capacity by more than 45 percent, according to Ukrainian military statements. In response, regional officials have introduced new fuel rationing measures.
In the Kaluga region southwest of Moscow, Governor Vladislav Shapsha announced the reinstatement of an odd-even licence-plate system and a ban on sales into portable canisters, noting that queues at stations have returned and caused "reasonable frustration."
Siberia’s Zabaikalsky region limited sales to 15 liters per vehicle for two common gasoline grades at 48 stations, with regional reserves estimated to last about 20 days. Officials said that 106 of the region’s 249 stations were still selling fuel without restrictions.
The Leningrad region, surrounding St. Petersburg, capped gasoline sales at 30 liters per vehicle through at least Oct. 1, describing the area as the centre of a second wave of the summer fuel shortage after the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery was knocked offline in August. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said nearly one-fifth of independent stations have suspended operations because they cannot obtain wholesale fuel, and that oil companies expect supplies to stabilise in October.
Nationwide, gasoline prices have risen 21 percent since the start of the year, reaching an average of 78.51 rubles per liter (about $3.39 per gallon) as of Sept. 14. To stabilise the domestic market, Russia has banned gasoline exports until Jan. 31, 2027, and diesel exports through the end of Oct.
The export bans affect global diesel supplies, as Russia previously exported close to 1 million barrels per day, second only to the United States. The reduced availability contributes to higher diesel prices worldwide, with U.S. diesel reaching a record $6.53 per gallon, more than 75 percent above a year earlier.
U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed support for a ban on U.S. diesel exports, citing domestic energy costs. A Ukrainian official said Trump was concerned about rising diesel prices and sought to free Russian fuel supplies to ease the global market. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described his recent conversation with Trump at the United Nations as "important" and suggested it could lead to significant developments.