Trump says Ukraine strikes on Russia refinery, not Iran war, driving gas prices

On Monday, US president Donald Trump held Ukraine responsible for the surge in gasoline prices, attributing it to the country's strikes on Russian oil refineries rather than the ongoing conflict in Iran. Trump criticized Democrats for closing US refineries, specifically targeting states like California. His remarks came as Ukraine persisted with long-range strikes on Russian energy infrastructure, with Kyiv claiming that their recent attacks have disabled over half of Russia's oil refining capacity, though this assertion remains unverified.

The Russian defence ministry reported that strikes on refineries in Moscow, Yaroslavl, Ust-Luga, Perm, Saratov, and Syzran have disabled 51% of the country's refining capacity. Ukrainian defence minister Yevhenii Khmara emphasized that this is a "significant blow to the enemy's economy, to its ability to carry out aggression and supply its troop groupings."

Russia has been grappling with fuel supply issues due to the repeated Ukrainian attacks. The International Energy Agency reported that diesel output has dropped by approximately 30%, causing drivers to face waits of up to 40 hours at petrol stations. Some Russian refineries have been targeted multiple times, necessitating emergency repairs and operational adjustments.

Russian president Vladimir Putin acknowledged the economic impact of the attacks on October 1, stating that they have cost Russia roughly 1% of its GDP. "They started attacking oil refineries and openly declared the goal of damaging our economy. Did they achieve their goal? Partially," Putin stated.

The attacks have also affected global fuel markets, leading Russia to ban diesel exports. Trump had previously urged Ukraine to cease targeting Russian refineries on September 13. Meanwhile, Russian strikes continued in Ukraine, with Kharkiv mayor Ihor Terekhov reporting that a Russian guided bomb killed at least three people and wounded 39, including three children.

Ukraine's air force reported that Russia launched 205 drones overnight, 172 of which were shot down or suppressed. Additionally, Ukraine reported a Russian drone attack on a commercial vessel in the Black Sea, resulting in the vessel's sinking. Two people died, and 11 crew members were rescued.