Strike on Russian Oil Refineries: Why There Is a Gasoline Shortage and Lines at Filling Stations in Russia.

Drone Attacks Lead to Fuel Shortage in Russia

According to FREEДOM: Residents of the Kuril District in the Sakhalin Region have been prohibited from purchasing AI-92 gasoline due to a fuel shortage caused by drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and oil depots. On the night of August 24, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck the Ust-Luga marine terminal in the Leningrad Region — a strategic Russian hub in the Baltic Sea for exporting energy resources that circumvents sanctions. Ukrainian drone attacks have resulted in record increases in gasoline prices in Russia. The attacked oil refineries may be out of service for a long time, leading to rising gasoline and other goods prices.

'Impacts and detonations have been recorded in the area surrounding the object. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are systematically implementing measures aimed at reducing the combat potential of the Russian occupying forces, destabilizing their logistical capabilities, including the supply of fuel and lubricants, and directing Russia to cease its armed aggression against Ukraine,' reports the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

This is leading to a fuel shortage in Russia, forcing the authorities to purchase fuel from Belarus and limit its sale.

New Gasoline Restrictions in Russia

Since the beginning of the year, Russia has limited gasoline exports and agreed to a complete ban until the end of August. Authorities plan to extend the export ban until the end of September. Drone attacks are hitting Russian oil refineries and causing billion-dollar losses for companies and record prices for fuel for Russian citizens.

'Novak supported the proposal from the Ministry of Energy to extend the export ban on gasoline for manufacturers and non-manufacturers of petroleum products to maintain a stable situation in the domestic fuel market during a period of high demand and agricultural work,' Russian media reports.

To meet the demand, Russia is urgently forced to purchase fuel from Belarus. The fuel situation is complicated in the Russian Kuril Islands, where restrictions on gasoline sales have been imposed. The fuel shortage negatively affects the economy and the lives of Russians, as well as leads to high prices for gasoline and consumer goods.

Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and oil depots have led to a fuel shortage in Russia. The combat actions of the Ukrainian military aim to reduce the combat potential of the occupying Russian forces to stop armed aggression and maintain a stable situation in the region. Russia is forced to look for alternative sources of fuel supply and take drastic measures to support the domestic market.