Ukrainian Drone Strikes Hit Russian Oil Refineries, Fuel Shortages Worsen
Long queues are forming at petrol stations across Russia as a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have disrupted fuel supplies, creating an unprecedented situation for a country that is one of the world's largest energy producers. The strikes, which have targeted over 50 facilities since late March, have reduced Russia's crude oil refining capacity by about a third, according to analysts.
In several regions, authorities have introduced fuel rationing, leading to hours-long waits for motorists. Social media videos show frustrated drivers at empty pumps, and the mayor of the Siberian city of Irkutsk has even arranged portable toilets for those in line. The shortages have brought the impact of the war, now in its third year, directly to ordinary Russians.
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the issue in televised remarks, stating that “problems persist for both motorists and businesses” and that “there are still queues at petrol stations, and finding the right grade of petrol isn’t always easy.” However, he described the shortages as “not critical” and “temporary.” One motorist in Moscow, who declined to identify himself for fear of repercussions, told The Associated Press: “They say one thing on television, and in reality it’s another. ... People are queueing everywhere.”
According to an AP count, Ukraine has carried out more than 50 reported attacks on oil refineries, depots, terminals, and other oil infrastructure in Russia and the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula since late March. Some facilities, such as the refinery in the Black Sea town of Tuapse, have been hit multiple times—four times in just over two weeks.
Data from Energy Intelligence indicates that Russia's crude oil processing in June fell 25% year-on-year to 3.95 million barrels per day, the lowest in over two decades. “The outages are extraordinary,” said analyst Gary Peach. Gasoline production has dropped 17% to 850,000 barrels a day, far below domestic demand. Chris Weafer of Macro-Advisory Ltd. noted that about a third of Russia's refining capacity is offline, a situation that comes at a critical time for the agricultural season and harvest.
Ukrainian officials describe the strikes as an effort to pressure Moscow to end the war by undermining military logistics and supply lines. They have particularly targeted Crimea, which Russia seized in 2014—a move not recognised by most nations. Attacks earlier this year forced Moscow-installed authorities on the peninsula to ration fuel in May and later halt civilian sales, though limited sales have resumed in Sevastopol.
The attacks have also struck major cities, including St. Petersburg and Moscow, with drone strikes on oil terminals causing large black plumes of smoke that circulated widely online despite restrictions on such imagery. On June 3, an attack on an oil terminal in St. Petersburg darkened the sky as Mr. Putin prepared to host an economic forum. On June 18, a similar cloud rose from the Moscow Oil Refinery on the capital's outskirts.
