Fuel Shortages Spread Across Russian Regions (Video)

(ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA) – Ukraine’s drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure is forcing Moscow to scale back oil production as refineries, pipelines, and depots come under repeated attack.

Over the past 45 days, Ukrainian long-range drones have struck some of Russia’s most important oil sites, including refineries near St Petersburg, Saratov and Moscow. The Karishi oil refinery, Russia’s second largest in the northwest, suspended a key unit after a weekend drone strike, Reuters reported. The facility processes about 400,000 barrels of oil daily, with the damaged unit accounting for 40 percent of its capacity.

At an average market price of 55 US dollars per barrel, the disruption at Karishi alone is costing Russia approximately 8.8 million US dollars (about 853 million roubles) in daily losses.

Russia’s state-owned pipeline operator, Transneft, has advised oil producers that they may need to reduce output because damaged infrastructure and limited storage capacity prevent exports. Oil and gas provide up to half of Russia’s federal budget revenues, making the strikes a significant economic setback.

Drone swarms, sometimes numbering 20 to 30, have targeted key refineries multiple times. The Ryazan refinery outside Moscow has been attacked at least six times since early August, in what analysts believe is an effort to cut gasoline supplies to the capital.

Fuel shortages are now emerging across Russia. Videos and reports from regions including Crimea, Sakhalin, Saratov, Donetsk and Luhansk show long queues, rationing and in some areas, petrol stations unable to provide fuel. While Moscow and St Petersburg have so far avoided widespread shortages, analysts suggest supplies are being diverted to these cities at the expense of other regions.

Ukraine’s strategy, according to observers, is to weaken Russia’s ability to sustain its military campaign by disrupting logistics and depriving it of energy revenues. Alongside oil facilities, Ukraine has also targeted railway lines in the Leningrad region, where derailments have been linked to sabotage.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that “NATO is at war with Russia,” accusing Western states of direct involvement through support to Kyiv. Analysts, however, note that Russia’s struggles stem from Ukraine’s growing capacity to deploy drone technology effectively.

Fuel shortages, disrupted transport and daily financial losses are adding pressure to Moscow’s war economy. With infrastructure damage mounting, Russia faces the challenge of maintaining its oil-dependent budget while managing growing domestic discontent.