The fuel crisis gripping Russia has spread to over half of its administrative regions, stemming from escalated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have significantly reduced refining capacity. The Far East and occupied Crimea have been the hardest hit, with rationing and severe shortages, while central regions experience disruptions. The Russian government has downplayed the crisis, attributing it to logistical issues, and has responded by banning fuel exports and seeking support from Belarus and China. Experts predict the duration of the crisis depends on the frequency of future attacks on refineries, with hundreds of gas stations already closed across the country.
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Fuel shortages in Russia continue to worsen, leading to the implementation of gasoline sales restrictions in a fourth region, with Tyumen and Sverdlovsk joining annexed Crimea and Chelyabinsk in limiting purchases. Gas station chains in these regions have capped sales at 20-30 liters per customer, citing measures to discourage bulk purchases, though some stations are experiencing complete outages. These limitations are attributed to disruptions in fuel supplies, stemming from Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have taken out nearly 40% of the country’s refining capacity and caused prices to increase.
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Ukraine disables 40% of one of Russia’s largest oil refineries processing 17.5 million tons annually, and this is a significant development, no doubt. It’s a move that strategically targets a vital component of the Russian economy and, by extension, its ability to wage war. This isn’t just about disrupting the flow of oil; it’s about hitting the source of funds that fuel the entire operation. Cutting off the supply of refined fuels, like gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, throws a wrench into their gears, impacting both civilian life and the military machine.
This action is particularly effective because Russia is now potentially facing the need to import these very fuels.… Continue reading
Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have significantly impacted Russia’s oil refining capabilities, leading to a severe fuel shortage. As of late September, nearly 40% of Russia’s primary refining capacity was offline, with gasoline output dropping significantly and causing a roughly 20% shortfall in domestic demand. These outages are unprecedented, with drone strikes directly causing about 70% of the shutdowns, hitting over two dozen major refineries. The crisis has prompted the Kremlin to ban gasoline exports and drop import duties, while the public faces rationing and rising prices.
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Crimea has implemented new gasoline sales restrictions, limiting purchases to 30 liters per transaction effective immediately, following actions by the head of the peninsula’s administration, Sergey Aksyonov, on September 29. These measures intend to regulate fuel use and deter stockpiling, coinciding with the introduction of price ceilings. The fuel shortage stems from Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, production cuts, and export bans, as well as weather-related supply chain issues near the Kerch Strait. This marks the first instance of such restrictions on fuel sales to private individuals in the region.
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Ukraine’s refinery strikes trigger nationwide fuel collapse across Russia, and this is a situation that’s rapidly unfolding and seems to be having significant repercussions. The sustained drone campaign targeting Russian refineries appears to have caused a ripple effect, extending far beyond the immediate areas struck. The reports suggest at least ten regions, stretching from the front lines to major cities like Moscow and Saint Petersburg, are experiencing fuel shortages and disruptions.
This situation has forced the government’s hand in at least some areas, rationing supplies and, most noticeably, causing massive queues at gas stations. While official narratives try to downplay the crisis by attributing it to “seasonal demand issues,” the timing and severity of the problems point to a much more critical factor: the relentless strikes on Russia’s fuel infrastructure.… Continue reading
Russia has implemented an export ban on fuel until the end of the year due to growing shortages at gas stations across the country and in occupied territories. These shortages are the result of increased Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries and fuel infrastructure. Russian officials initially attributed the supply issues to logistical problems, but the situation has worsened, with rationing and price increases reported in multiple regions, including Crimea. The ban includes gasoline and certain diesel fuel exports, a significant step for a major diesel producer and a key source of government revenue.
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Fuel shortages of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline are emerging in several Russian regions, stemming from Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. These attacks have disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting independent filling stations that lack the resources to stockpile fuel. Regional authorities claim disruptions are due to supply chain issues and anticipate a return to normal. To mitigate rising prices, the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange has tightened trading rules for diesel and gasoline, reflecting rising prices despite earlier restrictions.
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Russia is facing its worst fuel shortage in years, primarily due to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting oil refineries. These attacks have disabled approximately 17% of Russia’s oil refining capacity since August, leading to a significant daily loss of gasoline and diesel production. The crisis is expected to persist at least through the winter, exacerbated by scheduled maintenance and high interest rates hindering fuel supply for smaller gas stations. To address the issue, authorities have implemented short-term measures like export bans, as well as systemic plans like refining oil in Belarus, though long-term solutions may require ending the war or reforming price regulations.
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Fuel shortages are emerging in occupied Crimea and Russia’s Zabaykalsky Krai, with A-95 petrol being restricted to businesses and organizations using special fuel cards. Residents report the disappearance of petrol from many filling stations and inflated prices, even with official retail price controls in place. These restrictions began in early August, coinciding with Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have disrupted operations and reduced fuel supply. Despite government efforts to curb prices, including an export ban, petrol prices continue to rise, reaching historic highs on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange and impacting domestic availability.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood