Russian Fuel Crisis Deepens as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Prompt Rationing and Export Ban

In May 2026 Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil assets a record 30 times, including at least 16 attacks on refineries. Eight of Russia’s ten largest refineries were hit, with the Yanos refinery (Rosneft-Gazprom Neft) attacked three times and Lukoil plants in Nizhny Novgorod and Perm each hit twice. The assaults damaged both primary processing units and secondary units that produce gasoline and diesel, reducing crude processing to an estimated 4.58 million bpd—about 13 % below the previous year and the lowest level since October 2009.

CNBC TV18United24 MediaBloombergRussia risks facing a fuel crisis after a record month of strikes - BloombergUkraine’s Refinery Campaign Forces Fuel Limits in MoscowOil Price

Since annexing Crimea in 2014, Russia has faced Western sanctions that raise the cost of refinery repairs. Repeated fuel shortages in 2023 prompted public protests. The current wave of attacks coincides with heightened global oil-price volatility linked to the Iran-Israel conflict and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Bloomberg

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Ukraine)

Express Tribune

• President Vladimir Putin (Russia)

CNN

• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov

Express Tribune

• Crimea governor Sergei Aksyonov

CNN

• Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev

CNN

• Russian Cabinet of Ministers (fuel-export policy)

United24 Media

• Ukrainian Armed Forces (drone operations)

Express Tribune

• May 2026: 30 drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure; refinery runs fall to 4.58 million bpd.

Russia risks facing a fuel crisis after a record month of strikes - Bloomberg

• May 21 2026: Peskov states no risk of fuel shortages.

Russia risks facing a fuel crisis after a record month of strikes - Bloomberg

• Late May 2026: Crimea imposes gasoline rationing; long queues reported in Sevastopol.

CNN

• June 1 2026: Russian government bans jet-fuel exports through Nov 30; Aksyonov announces limits on Ai-95 sales; Razvozhayev urges calm.

CNN

• Premium gasoline 95 supply in European Russia: ~5,000 tons/day (?  1/3 of 2025 level).

CNBC TV18

• Wholesale price of gasoline 95 up >20 % YoY on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange.

Bloomberg

• Retail gasoline price in Moscow rose 2 rubles/L (? $0.03) since the start of 2026.

Ukraine’s Refinery Campaign Forces Fuel Limits in Moscow

• Fuel coupons required for Ai-95 purchases in Crimea; purchase caps of 20 L per driver in some stations.

Moscow Times

Domestic rationing threatens summer travel and agricultural logistics, while the export ban aims to preserve aviation fuel for Russian airlines. Internationally, reduced Russian refinery output limits Moscow’s ability to profit from higher global oil prices, potentially reshaping energy-trade flows.

WION

The Russian government framed the jet-fuel export ban as a “temporary measure to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market.” Governor Aksyonov said limits on Ai-95 sales were necessary after “Ukrainian drone attacks on fuel trucks on the ‘Novorossiya’ highway.” Razvozhayev described the situation as “linked to the need to strengthen security measures and optimise logistics routes.” Kremlin spokesman Peskov reiterated that “overall fuel supply and demand in Russia are balanced.” President Zelenskyy asserted that Ukrainian forces can now strike logistics “across virtually the entire depth of the temporarily occupied territories.”

CNN

Independent analysts note that despite official assurances, the sharp drop in wholesale fuel volumes and the emergence of rationing outside Crimea indicate a tightening market. Observers warn that regional stations unaffiliated with major oil producers may face fuel shortages as bulk purchases become costlier.

CNBC TV18

Sevastopol residents reported “long queues at filling stations” and, as one driver said, “I haven’t been able to fill up for two days now.” In Crimea, motorists were required to present fuel coupons for Ai-95 purchases, and many reported empty pumps for both 92 and 95 grades.

Ukraine’s Refinery Campaign Forces Fuel Limits in Moscow

Sources differ on the total number of attacks (16 vs 30) and on the geographic scope of rationing—some cite only Crimea, while others mention Moscow and Belgorod regions. No public data detail current fuel stockpiles in Russian-controlled territories.

CNN

• “I haven’t been able to fill up for two days now,” — Oksana Senchenko, Sevastopol resident

CNN

• “Our troops are now capable of reaching Russian military logistics across virtually the entire depth of the temporarily occupied territories,” — President Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Express Tribune

• “The current difficulties are linked to the need to strengthen security measures and optimise the ?logistics routes used to deliver fuel to our city.” — Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev

CNN

The jet-fuel export ban remains in effect until Nov 30, and authorities have signaled that gasoline-sale caps may be extended if refinery repairs lag. Monitoring of drone activity and fuel-stock levels will determine whether additional rationing measures are introduced ahead of the summer travel season.

United24 Media