Fuel shortages in Russia intensify after Ukrainian strikes on refineries
Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries have triggered widespread fuel shortages, prompting queueing at stations and concerns over economic impacts, while some analysts say the crisis could pressure the Kremlin.
Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries have led to a new fuel shortage affecting at least 30 Russian regions, including Moscow and surrounding areas, according to Reuters. Major gas station chains such as Gazprom Neft and Tatneft have limited sales in the capital, and drivers in the southern Krasnodar region report long queues.
Oleg Grigorenko, editor of the independent portal 7x7, said the situation is a clear crisis that hampers both personal travel and economic activity, noting that taxi drivers, couriers and construction firms are already losing business. He added that logistics for private construction companies rely heavily on gasoline.
Igor Ananskikh, first deputy chairman of the energy committee in the Russian parliament, told RTVI the supply problem should normalize within two to three weeks, a timeline disputed by exiled economists. Nikolai Korzhenevsky, who left Russia in protest of the war, said fuel quality has deteriorated, with drivers reporting engine damage and long waits for garage repairs.
Korzhenevsky highlighted a decline in Russian oil production from 11.5 million barrels per day in 2019 to under 9 million today, warning that continued refinery damage could push output toward 8 million barrels and trigger a broader economic crisis.
Russian officials have suggested importing fuel from India, China or other countries, but business journalist Vyacheslav Shiryaev argued that Russia’s isolation makes a daily supply of the roughly 200,000 tonnes needed for gasoline and diesel unrealistic. Economist Igor Lipsits said damaged refineries cannot be quickly restored and that authorities are prioritising fuel for municipal services, security personnel and other officials, fueling public resentment.
Shiryaev also contended that intensified Ukrainian attacks on dual-use targets could further destabilise the Russian economy and potentially hasten an end to the war, stating that a lack of diesel would halt the country’s railway network, factories and agricultural logistics.