Russia's fuel crisis returns as Ukrainian drones target oil facilities

As Russian gas stations once again imposed restrictions on gasoline purchases due to fuel shortages, Ukrainian drones continued to target refineries across Russia. This development came the same day Russia announced the start of fuel imports from abroad, an uncommon move for a nation typically one of the world's largest fuel exporters.

Ukrainian military forces have been launching hundreds of drones daily at Russian oil facilities, factories, and warehouses in recent months, aiming to impose a financial burden on Russian citizens for the attacks Russia has carried out in Ukraine since February 2022. Major oil facilities have been forced to shut down, leading to a worsening fuel shortage since May, which had spread to most Russian regions by July.

Restrictions were initially introduced at Moscow gas stations in June but were later eased. To boost domestic supplies, Russian authorities have banned gasoline and diesel exports, relaxed fuel quality standards, and started importing petroleum products. Witnesses reported long lines at gas stations in Moscow and surrounding areas.

Russian oil producers such as Gazprom Neft and Rosneft have limited gasoline sales to 30-40 liters per vehicle, while diesel sales remain unrestricted. Rosneft warned of longer wait times due to increased demand and maintenance needs. Despite Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak claiming signs of "partial stabilization" in the domestic fuel market, long lines still form at gas stations, with the government working to resolve logistical bottlenecks.

Continued Ukrainian drone attacks on oil facilities hinder these efforts. On Thursday, a drone set part of a refinery in Ufa, Russia, on fire, causing damage that will take several days to repair. Efforts to ease the crisis are further complicated by ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks. Russia has started importing fuel from abroad, but the volume and source remain undisclosed.

President Putin ordered a program to restore damaged or destroyed warehouses targeted by Ukraine in drone attacks. Since July 18, Ukraine has attacked at least 24 warehouses belonging to online retail giant Wildberries, causing significant damage.