Ukrainian drone strikes cut Russian oil refining by 25 percent

Ukrainian drone strikes have reduced the volume of crude oil Russia processed into fuel in June to 3.95 million barrels per day, 25 percent below the level recorded a year earlier. Gasoline output fell 17 percent to 850,000 barrels per day over the same period.

The lower production has led officials in more than half of Russia's regions to introduce some form of fuel rationing. In several areas, gas-station operators limited purchases per vehicle, while authorities attributed part of the shortfall to hoarding.

Infrastructure damage and repair outlook An Associated Press count recorded more than 50 Ukrainian strikes on refineries, depots, and terminals in Russia and Crimea since late March. One facility in the Black Sea town of Tuapse was hit four times in just over two weeks.

Analysts estimate that roughly one-third of Russia's refining capacity is currently offline. Repairing specialized equipment often requires imported parts subject to sanctions, extending downtime. Repair work at the Moscow Oil Refinery, which supplies about 40 percent of fuel to the capital region, is projected to take at least three months.

Without additional damage, shortages are expected to persist through the summer.

Regional effects and official statements The city of Irkutsk brought portable toilets to gas stations to serve motorists waiting in line. Public-transport fares there rose this week, citing higher fuel costs. In the Siberian region of Zabaykalye, a garbage-hauling firm suspended some pickups and certain bus routes were reduced.

Officials in multiple regions urged drivers to refuel only when necessary. Russian stockpiles of gasoline stand about 4 percent below last year's levels, according to statements from the president. Reallocation of existing supplies across the country's large territory is underway but will require several weeks.