Fuel Shortages Spread Across Russia Amid Intensified Ukrainian Drone Attacks
Russia faces a growing political crisis as widespread fuel shortages hit the country, driven by relentless Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on Russian oil refineries. These attacks have escalated in frequency and intensity, targeting distant facilities such as the Tyumen refinery in Siberia and notably destroying Moscow's central refinery on June 18, marking a turning point in the crisis.
As of June 20, about 28% of Russia's refining capacity was offline, according to Sergey Vakulenko, a former Gazprom Neft strategist now at the Carnegie Moscow Center. The shortages have shifted from logistical issues to a physical lack of fuel, forcing Russia to consider importing fuel for the first time in decades. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed ongoing negotiations with unnamed countries to supply fuel, though shipments will take weeks and strain Russia's war-weakened budget.
Fuel scarcity is felt unevenly across Russia, with long queues and station closures reported from Moscow to Siberia and the North Caucasus. Some regions have imposed rationing, such as limiting refueling to 19 liters per vehicle and restricting sales to local residents only. Tensions have flared, including conflicts at gas stations in Krasnodar between locals and drivers from Crimea, where fuel sales have halted due to Ukrainian attacks.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the shortages publicly for the first time, emphasizing the impact on drivers and agriculture but rejecting any ceasefire with Ukraine that might end the attacks. Authorities have responded by allowing lower-quality fuel sales and cracking down on alleged speculators, while fuel prices remain relatively low compared to global standards. However, black market prices in Crimea and Siberia have soared, reflecting growing desperation.
The fuel crisis coincides with Russia's parliamentary election campaign, adding political pressure on Putin to maintain stability. Analysts warn the shortages deepen public frustration and social tension, though so far without severe political fallout. Ukrainian officials and experts view the sustained attacks as a strategic effort to weaken Russia’s war capabilities, with some expressing optimism about eventual victory.
Summary: Russia is experiencing severe fuel shortages caused by intensified Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, forcing Moscow to consider fuel imports and rationing amid rising public frustration and political pressure ahead of parliamentary elections.
