Fuel supply bottlenecks are intensifying across Russia following Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, which have led to disruptions in gasoline and diesel availability in over 10 regions. This situation is expected to worsen in the coming months if the drone attacks persist and damaged refineries remain offline. Publicly available sources indicate widespread disruptions, with some premium gasoline now only available through ration coupons and regular gasoline sales limited to 20 liters (approximately 5 gallons) per purchase at some stations.
While major oil companies are largely unaffected, smaller, independent fuel stations are experiencing the most severe issues, though complaints are increasing nationwide. Gasoline prices have been steadily rising by up to 0.5% weekly. According to Bloomberg's calculations, eight of Russia's ten largest oil refineries were targeted by drone strikes in May alone, with some facilities hit repeatedly. Experts warn of a systemic fuel shortage if refineries continue to be disabled, with Crimea already facing a significant shortage and many more regions expected to be affected by late July or early August.
Ukraine's drone campaign has forced limits on gasoline purchases in 53 Russian regions, including those annexed in 2014 and 2022. In 18 regions, drivers are restricted to purchasing no more than 50 liters (13 gallons) or one full tank if smaller. Eleven other regions report shortages at a significant number of gas stations without formal limits. May 2026 saw Russia's oil production fall to its lowest in a year due to these strikes, forcing nearly every major oil facility in central Russia to reduce or halt operations. Restrictions also include bans on selling fuel in portable containers by major chains like Rosneft and Tatneft, the latter limiting sales to 30 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per vehicle.
Ukrainian drones are now specifically targeting secondary processing units like hydrocrackers, which are harder and more time-consuming to replace. Repeated attacks on the same facilities are extending repair times and reducing Russia's capacity to restore refining operations quickly. These strikes are causing significant operational costs, increasing repair and security expenses, and creating logistical challenges for Russia's oil sector. Although authorities have banned gasoline exports since April 1 and aviation fuel exports since June 1, experts caution that while the situation is straining Russia's energy system, it has not yet reached a decisive tipping point, partly because Russia has experienced fuel shortages in peacetime before.
