Ukraine's refinery attacks trigger fuel shortages and rationing across Russia
Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities have cut refining capacity by about a third, leading to long queues, regional rationing and rising prices, while officials say the situation is temporary.
More than 50 Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, depots and terminals since late March have reduced the country’s fuel output, with June crude processing falling 25% year-on-year to 3.95 million barrels per day, the lowest level in over two decades. Gasoline production dropped 17% to 850,000 barrels per day, leaving domestic supply short of demand, analysts said.
Long lines have formed at gas stations in many regions, prompting local authorities to impose rationing limits and, in some cases, bring in portable toilets for waiting drivers. The mayor of Irkutsk, a Siberian city, ordered such facilities after queues grew extensive.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that motorists and businesses continue to face problems and that queues persist, but he described the shortages as “not critical” and temporary. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts with foreign partners about fuel imports are underway to stabilise the market.
Analysts estimate that about one-third of Russia’s refining capacity is offline, a figure based on industry sources rather than official confirmations. Repairing damaged plants, such as the Moscow Oil Refinery that supplies 40% of fuel to the capital, could take three months or longer, and some facilities may remain out of service until a ceasefire.
The fuel crunch coincides with the start of the agricultural harvest season, increasing domestic demand. Officials have urged motorists to avoid panic-buying, and authorities have limited gasoline sales in many regions, while also restricting gasoline and aviation-fuel exports.
In Siberia, where refineries have not been directly hit, businesses report unexpected sales caps of 40 liters per vehicle, and public transport fares have risen due to higher fuel costs. The shortages are expected to persist through the summer, according to market analysts.
