Story perspectives

Ukrainian Drones Slash Russian Fuel Output 35%, Spark Shortages

7/22/2026

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Ukrainian Drones Strike

Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries, cutting gasoline output to about 65 % of average summer consumption and sparking nationwide fuel shortages.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said measures began stabilizing market, redirecting fuel from Siberian refineries and importing from Belarus and India, easing Moscow supply mid-July.
Two elderly people died waiting in hours-long gasoline queues.
Regions banned gasoline sales in portable cans and set daily purchase limits.

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Ukrainian Drones Shortage

Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries, cutting gasoline output to about 65% of average summer consumption, sparking nationwide fuel shortages.
Ordinary Russians face long queues and rationing, expressing growing frustration with the Kremlin’s inability to guarantee essential fuel.
Damaged refineries removed 45 million tons of crude capacity, pushing output to a 20-year low.
Police and Rosgvardia patrolled gas stations in 13 regions, enforcing strict rationing and long queues.

History

Historical Context

After OAPEC announced a 5 % monthly production cut on 17 October 1973 and Saudi Arabia imposed an embargo that lasted until March 1974, the United States faced gasoline shortages and a sharp rise in oil prices, prompting long-term moves to curb OPEC dependence. In 2024 Ukrainian drone strikes have again cut Russian refinery output, sparking nationwide fuel queues.

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Ukrainian Drones Strike

Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil refineries, cutting gasoline output to about 65 % of average summer consumption and sparking nationwide fuel shortages.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said measures began stabilizing market, redirecting fuel from Siberian refineries and importing from Belarus and India, easing Moscow supply mid-July.
Two elderly people died waiting in hours-long gasoline queues.
Regions banned gasoline sales in portable cans and set daily purchase limits.

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