Almost every Russian region hit by fuel crisis, as Ukraine escalates drone attacks

Russia’s Fuel Crisis Worsens as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Target Refineries Across 83 Regions

Almost every Russian region hit by fuel – A nationwide gasoline shortage has gripped Russia, with over 50 of its 83 regions reporting significant supply issues. CNN’s analysis reveals that disruptions in fuel distribution are no longer confined to the Black Sea peninsula of Crimea, where a state of emergency was declared on June 21. The crisis has now spread across Russia’s 11 time zones, affecting everything from Moscow to Vladivostok. Regional officials, alongside national and local media, have confirmed that shortages are widespread, though the severity varies by area. In some regions, fuel stations have implemented strict rationing measures, forcing drivers to queue for hours or navigate online resources to locate the best available refueling spots.

Escalating Threats to Refineries

The crisis is fueled by a sustained campaign of drone attacks launched by Ukraine, which have targeted critical infrastructure in Russia. These strikes, according to officials, have damaged oil refineries and disrupted the country’s energy supply chain. The government is scrambling to respond, but experts warn that the damage is cumulative. “The key difference is the scale and persistence of the attacks,” stated Sumit Ritolia, lead analyst at Kpler, a commodities intelligence firm. He noted that the current situation represents a marked intensification compared to earlier months when Ukrainian strikes had a more localized impact.

Some regions have taken drastic steps to manage the shortages. At least three areas, including the Transbaikal region in eastern Russia and Irkutsk, have declared a “state of heightened alert,” a level just below emergency status. This measure signals growing concern over the vulnerability of Russia’s energy sector. In a recent state TV interview, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We are currently seeing certain shortages, although they are not critical.” His remarks were part of a PR initiative aimed at calming public anxiety, though the tone of the interview suggested an urgency to project control.

Putin also highlighted the need to bolster air defense systems, stating, “The most urgent task is to rapidly and significantly increase production of the air defense systems.” This comment underscored the strategic importance of the refineries, which are vital for both domestic energy needs and fuel exports. The drone attacks, which have become more frequent and sophisticated, are testing Russia’s ability to protect its infrastructure from prolonged threats. Sergey Vakulenko, a former oil industry executive and senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, noted that the attacks have not only increased in number but also in precision. “The Russian oil industry’s resilience is being stretched dangerously thin,” he wrote in a recent article, emphasizing the industry’s struggle to recover from repeated damage.

A History of Fuel Disruptions

This is not the first time Russia has faced widespread fuel shortages. Last August, a surge in Ukrainian attacks led to temporary supply issues in multiple regions, but the current situation is far more severe. “The crisis now is much worse than it was in the previous campaign,” Ritolia explained. The reason, he argued, lies in the ongoing repair efforts following last year’s strikes. “In this race between the repairers and the attackers, the balance is shifting,” he added. The refineries, which had already been damaged in earlier rounds of attacks, are now operating at a capacity that is approximately 20% below domestic demand. This decline, driven by repeated strikes, has pushed production to multi-year lows.

Experts warn that the damage is compounding. With each new attack, the time required to restore operations grows longer, creating a domino effect across the supply chain. “The strikes are not just causing immediate disruptions; they are also slowing the recovery process,” Vakulenko observed. This has left Russian authorities in a difficult position, balancing the need to maintain fuel distribution while repairing key facilities. The impact is felt across all levels of society, from industrial operations to everyday commuters.

Public Tensions and Government Measures

As the crisis deepens, the resilience of the Russian public is being tested. Gas stations have imposed purchase limits, prompting frustration among drivers. In Moscow, a video shared on social media last week captured two women arguing bitterly over their positions in line, one accusing the other of being a “moron.” The situation has also led to the emergence of fuel-tracking websites, which help citizens find the most accessible refueling points. In Krasnodar, a southern city bordering Crimea, a man was filmed filling a container in the back of his car while two women scolded him for violating the rationing rules.

To prevent fuel hoarding, several regions have banned the use of large canisters, which can hold up to five gallons, except for emergency services. These measures, while intended to stabilize supply, have sparked resentment. “It’s kind of a double-edged sword. It hits the public mood, and it also hits inflation,” said Alexander Kolyandr, a senior analyst. The restrictions have made it harder for households to stockpile fuel, but they have also contributed to rising prices and economic strain.

Authorities are also cracking down on individuals exploiting the crisis for profit. In Irkutsk, the Siberian city that has been heavily impacted, police fined four people on Monday for selling fuel at inflated prices. One case involved a 20-year-old man caught in a sting operation after anti-corruption officers posed as buyers. He was allegedly selling gasoline at four times the national average rate. The governor of Irkutsk, one of the most affected areas, imposed a state of heightened alert to curb the black market and ensure fair distribution.

Strategic Implications and Long-Term Concerns

Putin’s remarks during the interview, though reassuring, hinted at a broader strategic challenge. He admitted that the strikes were designed to “create uncertainty for us, or even better to lead to a schism in Russian society.” This statement reflects the government’s awareness of the crisis’s potential to destabilize public morale. The attacks, which have become more frequent and coordinated, are not just targeting physical infrastructure but also eroding confidence in the state’s ability to manage the economy.

Russian officials are working to mitigate the fallout, but the scale of the problem remains daunting. The fuel crisis has exposed weaknesses in the country’s energy sector, including aging equipment and insufficient redundancy in supply lines. As the attacks continue, the government faces pressure to accelerate repairs and secure additional resources. The situation also highlights the growing reliance on Ukrainian tactics, such as drone strikes, to disrupt Russian operations.

Analysts suggest that the crisis could have lasting effects on Russia’s economic stability. With production levels lower than demand, the country may struggle to meet its energy needs, potentially leading to a deeper reliance on imports or higher domestic prices. The impact on transportation and industry is already evident, with some regions reporting delays in goods movement and increased operational costs. As the fuel shortages persist, the question remains: how long can Russia sustain its energy output under these pressures?

Meanwhile, the public’s patience is wearing thin. While the government has taken steps to address the shortages, the visible strain on daily life is undeniable. From long lines at gas stations to heated arguments over fuel access, the crisis is reshaping how Russians interact with their environment. The drone attacks, once a tool of strategic warfare, have now become a daily reality, forcing the nation to adapt to an uncertain future.