Russia Faces Gasoline Shortage After Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Oil Refineries.

The Saratov Oil Refinery, part of Rosneft, has temporarily stopped receiving crude oil due to a drone attack that occurred on August 10.

This is reported by Bloomberg.

Why a Gasoline Shortage is Brewing in Russia

According to Bloomberg, this refinery is located in the Volga region and has a capacity of about 140,000 barrels of crude oil per day. A prolonged shutdown of the refinery could negatively impact domestic gasoline supplies, especially amid seasonal increases in fuel demand. Earlier, Russian authorities had already banned gasoline exports due to difficulties in the domestic market.

On the night of August 6 to 7, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attacked the Afipsky Oil Refinery in the Krasnodar region. Its annual capacity is about 6.25 million tons, which is equivalent to 2.1% of the total oil refining volume in Russia. Following the strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian refineries, prices for 95-octane gasoline on exchanges in the Russian Federation have reached historical highs for the fourth consecutive day.

Additionally, Ukrainian drones struck the Ukhta Oil Refinery in the Komi Republic. This marked the first instance of an attack on a refinery in this area, located about 2000 km from the border of Ukraine with Russia.

Prices for vegetables and fruits in Ukraine may soon decrease due to changes in weather conditions. Moreover, further price increases for fuel and potential impacts of U.S. sanctions on Russian oil importers are expected.