Russia is increasingly feeling the consequences of Ukrainian attacks — gasoline is disappearing, and prices are rapidly increasing.
Kremlin. / © Associated Press
Ukrainian attacks continue to exacerbate the gasoline shortage in Russia and hinder the enemy’s logistics to the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine. Even the Kremlin has acknowledged a serious problem.
This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts state that Ukraine’s intensified strike campaign against the aggressor country’s refineries and logistics since March 2026 has led to a gasoline deficit not only in all occupied territories but also in many Russian regions. The Russian authorities are still trying to cope with this shortage.
In particular, Kremlin spokesman 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 supplies to the population there.
ISW notes that Moscow is also imposing more restrictions on gasoline purchases and encouraging civilians to reduce their private travel to combat the shortage.
Thus, a Kremlin-affiliated Russian milblogger mentioned proposals to switch to “mini-refineries” to combat the shortage. However, he says, this measure will not cover Russia’s domestic demand, and therefore the country will have to return to using obsolete gasolines AI-76 and AI-80, rather than replacing it with available gasoline.
The Russian occupation authorities are also further restricting movement along key logistical arteries to annexed Crimea. In particular, traffic through the Kerch Bridge was temporarily closed on June 22. The peninsula also recently stopped selling gasoline to any non-state organizations and suspended ferry services. The so-called “governor” of Crimea, Sergey Aksyonov, announced the suspension of all children’s camps until September 1, 2026.
Fuel Situation in the Russian Federation — Latest News
Recently, a fuel crisis has gripped the Russian Federation. Repeated attacks by Ukrainian UAVs have already damaged some Russian refineries, forcing the plants to operate with limitations. Amidst these problems, Moscow may be purchasing 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, particularly in large cities such as 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. Thus, after the bridge reopened, occupiers and their families are massively attempting to leave the peninsula.
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