Is all of Russia facing a fuel crisis?

Russia is facing growing fuel shortages as a result of intensified drone attacks by Ukraine on its oil infrastructure, according to multiple reports. These attacks have disrupted supply chains, particularly affecting regions connected to Crimea, where access routes have been severely restricted. The situation has led to long queues at gas stations, restrictions on fuel sales, and rising prices across the country.

The crisis began to escalate when Ukrainian drones targeted key oil refineries and transportation networks, causing significant damage. This disruption has led to fuel shortages in more than ten Russian regions, including areas such as Krasnodar, Kursk, Belgorod, Riasan, Orjol, and even parts of Moscow and Saint Petersburg. On the Crimean Peninsula, the situation is especially dire due to the closure of critical transport links between the peninsula and mainland Russia. As a result, residents are experiencing severe limitations on fuel availability, with some being able to purchase gasoline only through government-controlled apps or in limited quantities.

The impact of these attacks extends beyond just the immediate fuel shortage. According to reports, the Russian government has imposed export bans on gasoline, diesel, and kerosene to ensure domestic supply. This measure has forced Russia to increase its reliance on oil imports from neighboring countries, notably Belarus. However, this shift has come at a cost, as the price of imported fuel has risen sharply, further straining the economy.

The effects of the drone attacks on Russia's energy sector are profound. According to data from Bloomberg, eight of the ten largest oil refineries in Russia were attacked in May alone. These attacks have significantly reduced the processing capacity of Russian refineries to their lowest levels since 2009. The cumulative effect of these disruptions has led to a substantial decline in Russia’s revenue from oil and gas exports, which have dropped by approximately 27% compared to pre-war levels. This decline has placed immense pressure on the country's finances, contributing to a record-high budget deficit.

The economic repercussions of the fuel crisis are also evident in the ruble's value. With higher global oil prices leading to increased dollar earnings from crude oil exports, the ruble has appreciated significantly. While this might seem beneficial, it actually reduces the amount of income received in rubles, exacerbating the financial strain on the state. The Russian Ministry of Finance reported a budget deficit of around 6.6 trillion rubles for the first five months of 2026, highlighting the severity of the fiscal challenges faced by the government.

Residents across Russia are feeling the impact of the fuel crisis firsthand. In areas affected by the shortages, people are reporting long waits at gas stations, while others are unable to find fuel altogether. Some have resorted to buying fuel in bulk from black markets, where prices can be three times higher than usual. In Crimea, the situation is particularly acute, with many residents stranded without adequate fuel supplies. The local governor described the situation as “difficult” and attributed much of the problem to the influx of drivers from the peninsula seeking fuel in nearby regions.

As the conflict continues, the potential for further escalation remains high. If the intensity of the drone attacks does not subside and damaged refineries fail to return to normal operations, there is a risk that localized fuel shortages could evolve into a broader crisis. The Russian government faces mounting pressure to address both the immediate fuel supply issues and the underlying economic challenges exacerbated by the ongoing war. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military continues to target key elements of Russia's energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt the flow of resources essential to maintaining the war effort.