Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cut Russian Fuel Output 25 Percent

Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have reduced Russian fuel production by 25 percent in June compared with a year earlier, bringing the lowest refining level in more than two decades. The drop left gasoline output 17 percent below last year's level at 850,000 barrels a day.

Officials in more than half of Russia's regions introduced some form of rationing, with many stations limiting sales per vehicle.

The same facilities were often hit repeatedly, including one refinery struck four times in just over two weeks. About one-third of Russia's refining capacity is now offline, according to industry estimates. Specialized equipment damaged in the attacks is difficult to replace because of sanctions, lengthening repair times.

Putin said stockpiles are only 4 percent lower than last year and described the shortages as temporary and not critical. He acknowledged queues at stations and difficulty obtaining certain grades of fuel. A motorist waiting in line in Moscow told The Associated Press the day after Putin's remarks that the situation appeared worse than official statements suggested.

In the Irkutsk region, the mayor ordered portable toilets placed at gas stations to serve drivers in long lines. The city also raised public-transport fares, citing higher fuel costs. In the Omsk region, officials limited sales to 40 liters per vehicle.

A local business owner said the limits were unexpected because the area hosts one of Siberia's largest refineries. Authorities have restricted exports of gasoline and aviation fuel and are considering imports. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts with potential supplier countries are underway to reduce panic buying.