Fuel shortages deepen in Russia after Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries

Russia, one of the world's largest oil producers and exporters, is increasingly facing domestic fuel shortages. The cause lies in Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries, which have significantly cut their capacity to operate at full volume.

Restrictions at fuel stations

The reduced output is already being felt on the ground, as petrol stations in many areas have been forced to limit fuel sales to the public. This shows that the strikes on refineries are not merely symbolic but are genuinely affecting the country's ability to supply its domestic market with fuel.

Moscow forced to cut exports

To offset the shortfall on the domestic market, Russian authorities have had to reduce exports of oil products abroad. At the same time, the country is searching for alternative supply routes and partners outside Russia to ease pressure on domestic fuel provision.

Experts: no collapse yet, but costs are rising

Despite the increasingly visible problems, industry experts stress that there are currently no grounds to speak of a collapse of Russia's fuel sector or of the broader system. However, they acknowledge that the ongoing war keeps pushing up costs for the Russian economy — Ukrainian strikes on oil infrastructure have become one of the factors noticeably affecting Russia's economic stability and everyday life in the country.