43% of Russia’s Oil Refineries Crippled by Ukrainian Drones, Fuel Shortage Drives Motorists to China.

Gasoline Crisis Hits Russia’s Zabaykalsky Region

According to UATV: A severe gasoline shortage has taken hold in Russia’s Zabaykalsky Krai, prompting local entrepreneurs to offer cross-border refueling services in China. This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of sustained Ukrainian drone strikes on strategic Russian infrastructure, particularly oil refineries that are critical for supplying fuel to the Russian military.

On July 6, 2023, Ukrainian drones struck the Omsk Oil Refinery, a facility that annually provides millions of tons of fuel for military purposes. At the same time, an oil refinery in Kaluga Oblast came under attack, while in Leningrad Oblast, two oil-loading units and three fuel storage tanks were hit. In Crimea, the 'TES-Terminal-1' oil depot also sustained damage.

Energy Security Under Siege

Since the beginning of the year, Russian refineries have faced 200 Ukrainian attacks, knocking out roughly 43% of the country’s total refining capacity as of July 2026. This has fueled a nationwide gasoline deficit of around 350,000–400,000 tons per month. In June 2023, Russia imported 141,000 tons of fuel from Belarus in an effort to offset the shortfall.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that 'the implementation of Ukraine’s long-range sanctions plan has shown that limiting Russia’s ability to wage war depends on making the war felt in everyday life.'

This approach appears to be part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to ramp up production of high-tech weaponry, which could further shape the regional dynamics.

The Yaroslavl Oil Refinery, one of Russia’s largest refining facilities with an annual design capacity of 15 million tons of crude oil, now faces an uncertain future due to relentless attacks and the overall fuel shortage. The ongoing conflict is clearly undermining Russia’s energy security, threatening both civilian fuel supplies and military logistics.

The gasoline crisis in Zabaykalsky Krai, combined with the wave of refinery attacks, highlights the escalating impact of military operations on Russia’s economy. The loss of refining capacity not only disrupts fuel deliveries for ordinary citizens but also jeopardizes the military’s ability to sustain its operations. This could become a decisive factor in the future strategies and combat capabilities of both sides.