Fuel Production Crisis in Russia
In the first half of June 2026, Russia's gasoline production dropped by 15% compared to the same period in 2025, driven by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. This marks a severe blow to the country's energy sector, with crude oil processing falling to its lowest level in two decades. Fuel shortages now affect at least two-thirds of Russia's regions, prompting gas stations to impose strict limits on how much drivers can purchase.
- In Omsk Oblast, motorists are capped at 40 liters of gasoline and 80 liters of diesel per visit.
- Saratov Oblast has set a limit of 30 liters of gasoline per stop through June 30.
- In occupied Crimea, fuel sales to civilians have been completely halted.
As a result, gasoline prices have surged. By June 15, the price of A-92 gasoline reached 65.41 rubles per liter, and A-95 hit 71.11 rubles per liter. Since the start of 2026, fuel prices have risen by 6.6%.
The crisis now spans two-thirds of the country. Irkutsk Oblast Governor Igor Kobzev noted that 'fuel is being allocated on an individual basis for each consumer' and added that 'such disruptions are happening nationwide.'
The Moscow Refinery, which supplies about 40% of the capital's gasoline and half of its diesel, has been hit twice within a single week. Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian drones have attacked Russian refineries at least 47 times. In May alone, 16 refineries were targeted, including eight of the ten largest. Over the course of 2025, there were 82 recorded strikes on Russian refineries.
Potential Fallout and Government Response
Russia is now considering a full ban on diesel exports, as shipments have dropped to a six-month low of 813,000 barrels per day since the start of the year. The country is the world's second-largest diesel exporter, shipping an average of 907,000 barrels of diesel and gasoil per day in 2025—accounting for 11% of global supply. Key buyers include Turkey and Brazil.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the situation as 'difficult but manageable.' Following his remarks, European diesel futures rose, and the premium over crude oil jumped 5.9% to $39.32 per barrel.
This crisis underscores the mounting challenges facing Russia's energy sector, with potential ripple effects far beyond its borders. Reduced gasoline and diesel output, combined with a possible export ban, could drive up fuel prices both domestically and globally, impacting international energy markets. It also highlights the vulnerability of critical energy infrastructure in modern conflict zones.
The recent drone attacks have not only impacted gasoline production but also led to a significant reduction in diesel output across Russia. Reports indicate that diesel production has decreased by 10% as a direct consequence of these strikes. For further insights into the ongoing fuel crisis and its implications for the energy sector, read more about the decline in diesel production.