Russia Boosts Fuel Imports and Subsidies as Shortages Hit 78 Regions After Ukraine Strikes
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8
Russia Boosts Fuel Imports and Subsidies as Shortages Hit 78 Regions After Ukraine Strikes
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jul 8
Summary
Queues and station closures have spread even across Moscow as Russia scrambles to ease fuel shortages with higher imports, price subsidies and sales of lower-grade fuel.
Ukrainian drone and missile strikes on refineries have compounded Russia's inability to refine enough petrol and diesel for domestic demand, forcing rationing, jerry-can bans and cuts to some bus and rubbish services.
Putin has acknowledged the attacks are "creating problems" but says the crisis is not critical; Russia had already banned fuel exports on June 28 and tapped reserves to contain the disruption.
Polls suggest the shortages are hurting sentiment, with Levada putting Putin's approval near 74% and the share saying Russia is on the right track at 52%, down from 61% in May.
Analysts say the fuel crunch could dim growth in the second half, but they see little sign the pressure will force Putin to soften his war stance.
As Ukrainian drones paralyze Russia's oil industry, can Moscow adapt before its war machine runs dry?
Will this new era of warfare be decided by battlefield innovation or by global supply chains controlled from Beijing?
Russia Faces Unprecedented Fuel Shortages in 2026 Amid Escalating Ukrainian Drone Campaign
Overview
In July 2026, Russia faces a severe and fast-growing fuel crisis, with gasoline shortages and major supply disruptions spreading across nearly all regions and time zones. The crisis began with a state of emergency in Crimea and quickly expanded nationwide, forcing many gas stations to ration fuel. This situation is mainly caused by intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have crippled production and exposed deep vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy sector. As shortages worsen, public frustration grows, challenging the government’s ability to maintain stability and provide essential services.