Russia imposes fuel restrictions
In response to Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries—which have idled roughly one-third of the country's refining capacity—Russia has introduced gasoline rationing for private vehicles across 53 regions, as well as in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. As a result, Russia's crude oil processing volumes have dropped to their lowest level in 21 years.
Details of the restrictions
The new measures limit drivers to either a full tank or a maximum of 50 liters of gasoline per person in one-third of Russian regions. Major oil companies, including Rosneft, Bashneft, and TNK, have also banned the sale of gasoline in canisters. These steps follow fuel shortages already reported in at least 25 Russian regions as of June 10.
The restrictions extend to occupied areas such as Crimea, Sevastopol, and parts of the Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. Since the start of the drone campaign, 16 refinery facilities have been hit, including eight of Russia's ten largest refining plants.
According to Energy Intelligence analysts, nearly one-third of Russia's refining capacity—approximately 2.14 million barrels per day—is currently offline. The country's crude oil processing has fallen below 4 million barrels per day, signaling severe disruptions in the energy sector. These fuel market changes are raising public concern and could have lasting economic consequences for Russia.
The gasoline restrictions highlight serious challenges in Russia's energy sector driven by external factors, particularly military actions.
Source: Energy Intelligence
Fuel shortages could hinder mobility and economic activity in regions already facing significant imbalances. If the situation does not improve, it may escalate social unrest and deepen the country's economic difficulties.
The escalating fuel crisis is not limited to the regions affected by the recent drone strikes; Moscow is now experiencing similar shortages. As restrictions tighten and supply issues spread, the capital faces increasing challenges that could impact daily life and economic stability. Observers are closely monitoring how these developments will unfold in the coming weeks.