Months of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia’s oil infrastructure have triggered widespread gasoline shortages, forcing fuel rationing in more than half of the country’s regions and creating long lines at filling stations, despite Russia’s status as one of the world’s largest oil producers.
The fuel crisis has become one of the most visible domestic consequences of the war for ordinary Russians, with motorists facing empty pumps, higher prices, and hours-long waits as repeated attacks damage refineries and disrupt fuel supplies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the shortages this week, saying “problems persist for both motorists and businesses” and that “there are still queues at petrol stations, and finding the right grade of petrol isn’t always easy.” He described the shortages as “not critical” and “temporary.”
Drone Campaign Targets Key Oil Infrastructure
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone campaign in recent months, repeatedly targeting Russian oil refineries, fuel depots, and terminals.
One of the most significant attacks struck Moscow’s Kapotnya refinery twice in June, knocking the facility offline. The refinery is a key supplier of fuel to the Russian capital.
According to an Associated Press count, Ukraine has carried out more than 50 reported attacks on Russian energy infrastructure since March, with several facilities struck multiple times.
Analysts estimate roughly one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity is currently offline.
Ukraine says the strikes are intended to weaken Russia’s military logistics and pressure Moscow by disrupting fuel supplies used to support the war.
Fuel Production Falls as Demand Rises
Russia, the world’s third-largest oil producer, pumps about 9 million barrels of crude oil daily. But refining capacity has fallen sharply following the attacks.
Oil market analysts estimate Russia processed about 3.95 million barrels of crude per day in June, roughly 25% less than a year earlier, and the lowest level in more than two decades.
Gasoline production has also dropped significantly, falling to about 850,000 barrels per day from more than 1 million barrels a year earlier.
Industry estimates suggest Russia is now producing roughly 85,000 metric tons of gasoline daily while peak summer demand approaches 110,000 metric tons, creating a daily shortfall of about 25,000 metric tons.
The shortages come as agricultural activity increases fuel demand during harvest season.
Rationing Expands Across Russia
Fuel rationing has spread across more than half of Russia’s 83 regions.
Some areas have imposed purchase limits at gas stations, while others have introduced formal rationing measures. Long lines have become common, with motorists waiting hours to refuel. In the Siberian city of Irkutsk, officials even installed portable toilets near gas stations to accommodate motorists waiting in line.
The shortages have affected regions far from Ukraine and areas where no refineries have been attacked directly. Officials have blamed panic buying and urged motorists to purchase only the fuel they need.
Russia has also restricted gasoline and aviation fuel exports while considering additional limits on diesel exports.
Russia Turns to Fuel Imports
To ease shortages, Russia has begun importing gasoline from neighboring countries, including Kazakhstan and Belarus, although those supplies have not been sufficient to meet demand.
Officials are also exploring larger fuel purchases from India, where refineries process Russian crude oil into finished petroleum products.
The government is reportedly considering tax changes to subsidize imported fuel, though analysts say such measures could place additional pressure on state finances.
Economic Pressure Mounts
The fuel shortages have added to broader economic challenges facing Russia.
According to Gallup polling released in late June, 60% of Russians said economic conditions are worsening, the highest level recorded during two decades of surveys. More than half also reported declining living standards.
The Bank of Russia has identified rising gasoline prices as a risk to inflation, which reached 6% in late June, above the central bank’s 4% target.
Higher inflation and borrowing costs have complicated efforts to stimulate the economy, while the government has lowered its 2026 economic growth forecast to 0.4%.
Analysts say repairing damaged refineries will likely take months because many facilities require specialized imported equipment that has become more difficult to obtain under international sanctions.
Some experts believe the shortages could persist through the summer, particularly if Ukrainian strikes continue targeting Russia’s refining infrastructure.
