Fuel Shortages Hit 90% of Russian Regions as Ukrainian Strikes Knock Out Nearly Half of Refining
Updated
Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jul 18
Fuel Shortages Hit 90% of Russian Regions as Ukrainian Strikes Knock Out Nearly Half of Refining
3 articles · Updated · FRANCE 24 English · Jul 18
Summary
More than 90% of Russian regions have faced fuel rationing or shortages since June, turning long petrol queues into a routine disruption even in Vologda, 480 kilometres north of Moscow.
Nearly half of Russia's 6.6 million barrels per day of refining capacity has been knocked offline since late February, Energy Intelligence estimated, as Ukraine intensified strikes on depots and other energy infrastructure.
Moscow has banned exports of some petrol and aviation fuel and last week extended the curbs to diesel, while regional rationing was introduced to stabilize domestic supply.
Queues have recently shortened in Moscow and some stations in Vologda have resumed deliveries, but the shortages have exposed how deeply Ukrainian attacks can disrupt Russia's oil sector far from the front.
As an oil giant faces empty pumps, can Putin prevent the fuel crisis from draining his public support?
Ukraine’s drones are crippling Russian refineries. Is this the strategy that finally chokes Putin's war machine?
Inside Russia’s 2026 Fuel Emergency: The Impact of Ukrainian Drone Strikes on Refineries, Economy, and Public Sentiment
Overview
In July 2026, Russia faces a severe fuel crisis after a surge in long-range Ukrainian drone strikes crippled key refineries, including the vital Kapotnya plant in Moscow. The loss of this facility, despite its location within dense air defenses, highlights the vulnerability of Russia’s energy infrastructure. As a result, fuel shortages and rising prices are spreading across the country, causing economic disruption and affecting daily life. The crisis is also impacting neighboring countries and regional trade, showing how targeted attacks on energy facilities can create widespread ripple effects throughout the economy and beyond.