Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Oil Refineries Leave Some Russian Regions Facing Fuel Shortages
Gas stations across various regions in Russia are experiencing significant fuel shortages, a situation exacerbated by recent drone strikes suspected to be launched by Ukraine against critical oil infrastructure. This development has led to long lines of motorists at gas stations and has compelled officials to implement rationing measures or even halt sales in certain areas.
The St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange witnessed a sharp increase in wholesale prices for A-95 gasoline, which reached unprecedented levels last week. Prices surged nearly 50% compared to January, amid heightened demand from farmers needing fuel for harvest operations and travelers gearing up for final summer vacations.
Reports from Russian media indicate that regions in the Far East and Crimea are particularly affected by fuel shortages. In Primorye, near the North Korean border, gas prices surged to approximately 78 rubles per liter, equivalent to around .58 per gallon, while some local drivers attempted to sell gasoline online for as much as 220 rubles per liter, or roughly .12 per gallon. In the Kuril Islands, officials were forced to suspend sales of lower octane A-92 gasoline entirely due to supply constraints.
Traditionally, Russia sees an uptick in gasoline prices toward the end of summer, but this year’s situation is compounded by Ukraine’s targeted strikes on oil refineries. These attacks have focused on the Ryazan-Volgograd region, a crucial corridor for both holiday travel and agricultural operations, and have included multiple assaults on oil infrastructure since August 2.
Despite the damage incurred, experts note that while many refineries are resilient to threats, they are still susceptible to operational slowdowns. The crude oil intake for refining processes has decreased by an estimated 200,000 to 250,000 barrels per day. Consequently, gasoline production fell by 8.6% in early August compared to the same period last year.
The impact of ongoing geopolitical conflicts also disrupts Russian transportation networks, shifting a larger share of travel to individual vehicles, thereby escalating fuel demand further. Inflationary pressures and supply chain disruptions have led many suppliers to limit gasoline purchases during peak periods, further complicating the situation.
The Russian government has responded to the crisis by pausing gasoline exports to prioritize domestic supply, with a focus on keeping fuel access steady through September. While this supply issue has not yet escalated to a national crisis—Moscow remains well supplied—the ramifications for less accessible regions underscore vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure.
As the situation evolves, experts predict that the gasoline shortage may alleviate by late September, as seasonal demands recede and many refineries complete their annual maintenance cycles. However, the long-term implications of these disruptions may pose new challenges, especially as drone warfare tactics continue to develop and strain Russia’s energy capabilities.
