Russia is facing a deepening gasoline crisis as drone attacks on its refineries continue to escalate. Initially, the shortages were confined to remote regions and occupied Crimea. However, in recent weeks, the problem has spread to many parts of the country. Long lines at gas stations, rationed gasoline, rising prices, and even pumps running dry are becoming common.
Widespread Gasoline Shortages Sweep Across Russia
The effects of these gasoline shortages are being felt personally by ordinary citizens. For months, many Russians considered the ongoing military operation a distant conflict. Now, they are confronted with a tangible disruption to their daily lives. Gasoline prices have surged dramatically. In some regions, the cost has reached the equivalent of $4.52 per gallon, compared to the official average of $2.66 per gallon earlier in September.
Fuel availability is also becoming a serious issue. Many stations limit gasoline sales to just 5 gallons per customer. Some chains are only allowing commercial purchases with fleet cards, while others are refusing fuel cards altogether. Filling fuel cans has been banned at multiple locations. In occupied Crimea, several stations are closed entirely, and the remaining ones only sell diesel.
Transnistria Left in the Cold as Russian Gas Vanishes
In the Nizhny Novgorod region, the gasoline shortage has disrupted public services. School buses, which run on gasoline, have been unable to operate normally. Local authorities, however, have denied any widespread disruptions.
Government Denials and Public Frustration Over Gasoline
Officials have attempted to downplay the severity of the gasoline crisis. Authorities in some districts attribute the shortages to routine maintenance at refineries, claiming that new gasoline deliveries will meet demand. However, the actual supplies delivered often cover only a fraction of local needs.
Authorities have also warned the public against panic buying gasoline, claiming that excessive purchases create artificial shortages. Despite these warnings, long queues and empty pumps continue to appear across many regions. Experts and observers note that the scarcity could create opportunities for black market activity and profiteering.
Meanwhile, military bloggers and analysts report that Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries are hitting infrastructure on a near-nightly basis. Videos circulating online show drones flying over refineries and striking them with little resistance. Some claim that air defense systems are failing to intercept these attacks, either due to a lack of missiles or coordination issues between different branches of the military and local authorities.
Military personnel reportedly face shortages of surface-to-air missiles, limiting the ability to shoot down attacking drones. Some land-based units have been reassigned to other duties due to insufficient missile supplies, while naval versions of the missiles are being redirected for land defense.
Impact on Production and Military Logistics
Ukraine’s attacks have affected roughly a quarter of Russia’s refining capacity. The resulting disruption not only impacts civilian gasoline supplies but also affects the military. With limited storage facilities, crude oil production has been forced to slow down, as there is insufficient capacity to store or transport processed gasoline.
In addition to refineries, Ukrainian forces have targeted pipelines, ports, and natural gas facilities. These strikes aim to disrupt oil exports and force power stations to rely on coal instead of gas. Analysts note that the sustained attacks on fuel infrastructure are directly impacting Russia’s military capabilities, as gasoline and diesel are critical for transporting troops and operating vehicles.
Russia Halts Gas to Austria, Europe Scrambles for Alternatives
Drone units conducting the attacks continue to post updates online, showing the ongoing damage to refineries and promising to maintain gasoline scarcity across the country. In regions affected by these strikes, public sentiment reflects frustration and a growing awareness of the immediate consequences of the conflict. Long lines at fuel stations, rationed gasoline, and inflated prices have become a daily reality for many citizens.
The gasoline crisis in Russia is intensifying, with more refineries being targeted and supply chains struggling to respond. The shortage affects civilians, public transportation, and the military alike, while official statements continue to downplay the situation.
