Russia is increasingly feeling the repercussions of Ukrainian attacks — gasoline is disappearing, and prices are rapidly increasing.
Kremlin. / © Associated Press
Ukrainian strikes continue to exacerbate the gasoline deficit in Russia and disrupt the enemy’s logistics to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Even the Kremlin has acknowledged the serious problem.
This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts state that Ukraine’s intensified campaign of strikes against the aggressor country’s refineries and logistics since March 2026 has led to a gasoline shortage not only in all occupied territories but also in many Russian regions. The Russian authorities are still trying to cope with this deficit.
In particular, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged that prices for Russian fuel are rising sharply amid a persistent shortage. However, he stated that the government is coordinating its actions with oil companies to resolve this issue, as well as working to minimize the consequences of strikes on Crimea and ensure fuel supply to the population there.
The ISW notes that Moscow is also introducing more restrictions on gasoline purchases and encouraging civilians to reduce their private travel to combat the deficit.
A Russian military blogger associated with the Kremlin has suggested transitioning to “mini-refineries” to combat the deficit. However, he says, this measure will not cover Russia’s domestic demand, and thus the country will have to return to using older gasoline grades like AI-76 and AI-80, rather than replacing them with available gasoline.
Russian occupation authorities are also further restricting movement along key logistical routes to annexed Crimea. In particular, traffic through the Kerch Bridge was temporarily closed on June 22. The sale of gasoline to any non-state organizations has also recently ceased on the peninsula, and ferry services have been suspended. The so-called “governor” of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, announced the suspension of all children’s camps until September 1, 2026.
The Fuel Situation in the Russian Federation — Latest News
Recently, a fuel crisis has engulfed the Russian Federation. Constant attacks by Ukrainian UAVs have already damaged some Russian refineries, causing them to operate with limitations. Amid these problems, Moscow may purchase gasoline and diesel from Asian countries.
At the same time, gas prices have started to rise and the fuel deficit is intensifying in several regions, including large cities like St. Petersburg, Voronezh, and Tula. Drivers are complaining about high gas prices and uneven fuel availability.
Recent attacks on oil depots, the energy system, and ferries in the Kerch Strait have triggered panic in annexed Crimea. After the bridge reopened, occupiers and their families have been attempting to leave the peninsula en masse.
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