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Russian Regions Reinstate Fuel Purchase Limits Amid Ongoing Refinery Attacks
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Reimposition of Fuel Purchase Limits
A number of Russian regions have recently reinstated gasoline and diesel rationing measures after Ukrainian drone strikes disrupted refinery output. In the Kaluga region southwest of Moscow, Governor Vladislav Shapsha announced the return of an odd-even system based on vehicle licence plates and a ban on sales into portable canisters. In Siberia’s Zabaikalsky region, authorities imposed a cap of 15 liters (4 gallons) per vehicle on AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at 48 stations.
Background: Drone Strikes on Refineries
The measures follow Ukrainian drone attacks on three major Russian oil refineries located in Moscow, Samara and Ufa over the last three days. The Ukrainian military claimed the attacks have knocked out more than 45 % of Russia’s refining capacity.
Regional Measures and Statistics
- Kaluga: odd-even licence-plate rule and prohibition of fuel sales into portable canisters.
- Zabaikalsky: 15-liter per-vehicle limit on AI-92 and AI-95 at 48 stations; 106 of the region’s 249 functioning stations were previously selling fuel without restrictions.
- Fuel reserves in Zabaikalsky stand at 17,000 metric tons, projected to be exhausted in about 20 days if consumption continues at current rates.
Official Reactions
Governor Shapsha posted on Telegram that “the lines [at gas stations] are back. This causes reasonable frustration.” Regional officials in Zabaikalsky emphasized the need to curb consumption to preserve dwindling supplies. The Ukrainian military’s claim of a 45 % loss in refining capacity underscores the strategic impact of the attacks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The lines [at gas stations] are back. This causes reasonable frustration,” — Vladislav Shapsha, governor
Potential Shortages and Outlook
With fuel reserves expected to run out within weeks in Zabaikalsky and rationing now in effect in multiple regions, motorists face longer queues and limited access to gasoline and diesel. Authorities have indicated that the restrictions will remain until supply conditions improve, but no specific timeline for lifting the measures has been provided.