Fuel Shortages Force Russian Airports to Impose Supply Caps: These Cities Are at Risk.

Russian Airports Restrict Aviation Fuel Amid Shortage

According to Espreso.tv: Due to a fuel shortage triggered by attacks on oil refineries, Russian airports are now imposing limits on aviation fuel. Starting June 1 through November 30, 2023, the Russian government has banned the export of kerosene-based jet fuel. Caps on fuel supply have already been introduced in several cities, including:

• Makhachkala
• Mineralnye Vody
• Krasnodar
• Astrakhan
• Nizhny Novgorod

For example, Makhachkala Airport now allows only 8 tons of fuel for flights to Dubai, 3.5 tons for flights to Minsk, and 4 tons for those heading to Tashkent. The crisis began in late May 2023, when 16 refineries were hit in a single month, halting oil processing in central Russia. As a result, airlines were notified that refueling would not be possible in cities such as Saint Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Ufa.

Soaring Jet Fuel Prices and Economic Fallout

In addition, the price of jet fuel has climbed to 113,000 rubles per ton—a 52% increase since early March 2023. The export ban remains in effect until the end of November 2023, even as war-related expenses strain Russia's budget, with a deficit reaching 5.9 trillion rubles in the first four months of 2026. Since the start of 2026, strikes on oil refining infrastructure have cost Russia at least $7 billion.

This situation highlights the severe challenges facing Russia's aviation industry amid growing resource shortages and rising costs. Fuel restrictions could disrupt both domestic and international flights, further weakening the country's economic performance. The lack of a stable jet fuel supply also points to broader issues within Russia's economy, which may worsen due to ongoing military operations and international sanctions.