Russian Oil Exports Hit Record Highs While Gasoline Disappears: Refinery Strikes Halt a Quarter of Production.

Russia's Oil Export Situation

According to Espreso.tv: Despite mounting domestic fuel shortages and ongoing strikes against its refining infrastructure, Russia's crude oil exports continue to climb. Shipments from the ports of Primorsk, Ust-Luga, and Novorossiysk are expected to reach approximately 2.7 million barrels per day, with optimistic projections pushing that figure to 2.8 million barrels per day. In May, exports already exceeded 2.5 million barrels.

Impact of Attacks on Refining Infrastructure

However, the state of Russia's refining sector remains dire. Since the start of 2026, there have been roughly two dozen strikes on Russian oil refining facilities, resulting in total capacity losses exceeding 30%. In May, Ukraine's defense forces set a new record by launching 30 attacks on oil infrastructure in a single month. These operations have inflicted significant financial damage on Russia, which has lost at least $7 billion due to halted operations and shipment delays.

• Ukrainian drone strikes on June 16 and 18 targeting the Moscow Oil Refinery in Kapotnya are expected to have long-lasting consequences; the plant is not projected to resume operations until 2027.
• As a result of these events, gasoline production in Russia dropped by a quarter on June 23 compared to June 2025.
• In Crimea, fuel sales to the public have already been suspended, signaling a worsening fuel supply crisis.

The rise in Russian oil exports, even amid heavy losses in refining capacity, suggests Moscow is striving to maintain its foothold in international markets. Yet, the sustained campaign against oil facilities could severely limit the country's capabilities in the near future, posing additional economic challenges. The deteriorating fuel supply situation at home, particularly in Crimea, points to growing difficulties that may undermine the region's socioeconomic stability.