Russia is currently experiencing a severe fuel crisis, largely due to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on its oil refineries and infrastructure. President Vladimir Putin has made a rare admission, acknowledging that "problems persist for both motorists and businesses," with queues at petrol stations and difficulties finding the correct grade of fuel. This crisis is unprecedented for Russia, one of the world's largest energy producers, and has brought the war's impact home to ordinary citizens.
Over 50 Ukrainian attacks have been reported on Russian oil infrastructure since late March, with some facilities, like the Tuapse refinery, being repeatedly targeted. These strikes have led to a 17% fall in gasoline production to 850,000 barrels a day, and crude oil processing was down 25% in June compared to last year, reaching its lowest level in over two decades. Approximately one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity is estimated to be offline, and repairs are complicated by damage to specialized, often imported, equipment. Repairing the Moscow Oil Refinery alone, which supplies 40% of the fuel to the capital region, is expected to take at least three months.
The fuel shortages have led to rationing in over half of Russia’s regions, with hours-long queues at gas stations, empty pumps, and rising prices. The situation is particularly critical as the agricultural season, especially the harvest, is beginning, increasing demand for fuel. While Putin stated that gasoline stockpiles are only 4% lower than last year, an analyst suggested that the problem is logistical, with fuel being in the wrong places and reallocation taking weeks. Russia is now considering importing fuel and is in talks with other countries to stabilize the market and reduce panic buying. It is unlikely that refining capacity will return to winter levels this summer, even without further attacks.
