Ukraine managed to create a fuel crisis for 57 Russian regions

As a result of mass attacks by Ukrainian drones on oil refineries, at least 57 Russian regions have found themselves in a fuel crisis. This is over half of Russia's territory, where the gasoline shortage has already affected transportation, goods supply, and prices. RBC-Ukraine reports this.

Which Russian regions suffered the most from the fuel crisis

The eastern regions were the first affected - Transbaikalia, Primorye, and the Sakhalin region. There, fuel is distributed by coupons. In occupied Crimea, the situation is critical: gasoline is issued in no more than 20 liters per car. Even in the central part of Russia, where supplies are traditionally stable, there are disruptions. In remote areas, deliveries of food and essential goods are stopped due to a lack of fuel.

The reason for the shortage is obvious - systemic strikes by Ukraine on Russian oil refineries. Since the beginning of October, at least four plants have been attacked, in September - eight, in August - fourteen. Since January 2025, Ukrainian forces have struck 21 out of 38 largest Russian oil refining enterprises. Many of them have been damaged multiple times.

How much refining capacity Russia has lost due to Ukrainian drone attacks

According to media reports, about 10% of Russia's refining capacity has been lost, and some enterprises have completely stopped working. Due to the shortage, Moscow has been forced to ban the export of fuel.

President Volodymyr Zelensky called the strikes on oil refineries the 'most effective sanctions':

'Significantly restricted the Russian oil industry - and this significantly restricts the war.'

The Russian authorities traditionally assure that there is 'no shortage', blaming everything on 'logistics' and 'seasonal difficulties'. However, Rosstat acknowledged a 10% increase in gasoline prices since the beginning of the year.

The Kremlin is trying to patch up the crisis by relying on Belarus, increasing the import of its fuel fourfold. At the same time, Moscow is negotiating with China for the supply of gasoline without duties. Experts predict that the duration of the fuel crisis directly depends on the intensity of Ukrainian attacks.

Earlier we wrote about how attacks from 2000 km away affect Russia's economy.