Full Breakdown
Russia’s Fuel Shortage Deepens Amid Ukrainian Refinery Attacks
8/24/2026, 8:28:57 AM
Core Event
Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have triggered a nationwide fuel shortage. Gas station chains such as Gazprom Neft and Tatneft have limited sales in Moscow, and drivers in regions like Krasnodar report hours-long queues. The shortage has also led to reports of poor-quality gasoline damaging vehicle engines. Taxi drivers, courier services and construction firms say fuel-dependent supply chains are stalling, worsening economic pressure on ordinary Russians.
Background & Context
The current crisis follows an earlier wave of shortages that began in late May and eased by mid-July. Unlike that earlier period, the present shortages are concentrated around the capital and are linked to repeated attacks on facilities that serve both military and civilian purposes. Russian authorities blame a seasonal surge in demand, while locals describe the summer as a “disaster.” Municipal services—medical, police and fire vehicles—receive priority fueling, which fuels public resentment.
Data & Statistics
- In 2019 Russia produced 11.5 million barrels of oil per day; today production is below 9 million barrels per day. “In 2019, Russia produced 11.5 million barrels per day,” — Nikolai Korzhenevsky, economist
- Domestic consumption requires roughly 200,000 tonnes of gasoline and diesel each day.
- Bloomberg reports that diesel and jet-fuel stocks remain sufficient, but gasoline supplies are tight.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told Interfax that recent refinery maintenance has increased fuel output and that the government will monitor the market, possibly adjusting the export ban on diesel later. First deputy chairman of the State Duma energy committee Igor Ananskikh said the supply situation should normalize within two to three weeks. Authorities also attribute the strain to a holiday-period increase in demand.
Verbatim Quotes
- “You can't say there isn't any fuel. But it's obvious there's a crisis,” — Oleg Grigorenko, editor-in-chief of the Russian independent media portal 7x7
- “The car won't start and has to go to the garage. The same people are telling me garages have waitlists of several months, even in Moscow,” — Nikolai Korzhenevsky, economist
- “This is happening in front of people who've waited for hours and it's causing a lot of resentment,” — Igor Lipsits, a Kremlin critic
- “Ukraine could bring about disorganization and chaos in the Russian interior, resulting in a total loss of control,” — Shiryaev, the economist
- “It could also cripple hundreds of factories and businesses. Without diesel, tens of thousands of trucks would be unable to run, food wouldn't get to the stores, and farmers wouldn't be able to harvest their crops.” — Shiryaev, the economist
