Ukrainian Strikes on Russian Refineries Lead to Fuel Shortages and Rationing in Parts of Russia

Ukrainian long-distance strikes on Russian refineries have produced fuel shortages in parts of Russia that had not seen them in four years, Hot Air reported. Gasoline production dropped 25 percent during the week of June 15-21, leading dozens of regions to impose rations. Residents documented extended waits and empty stations.

One woman ran out of gas in a traffic jam near Moscow on June 26 and could not restart her car. Another spent 12 hours in line on June 27 without moving. A resident of the Novgorod region visited three stations without success.

A Chinese migrant in St. Petersburg reported that stations lacked AI-92 and AI-95 grades. A Moscow resident stated there was no fuel available day or night. Violence broke out at service stations. Drivers waiting up to 12 hours clashed on June 21 and again on June 23.

In occupied Crimea, authorities ended all fuel sales to civilians earlier in the week. A local resident said businesses were shutting and workers were being laid off. Viktor Rykov, head of the Russian Union of Transport Companies of Sevastopol, stated that transport firms received only a quarter of needed fuel.

Trolleybuses ran intermittently because of power outages, and some bus routes were cancelled or lengthened. The shortages coincide with broader economic pressure. Russian stocks have fallen more than 13 percent since the start of June, the largest decline since September 2022.

The federal budget deficit reached 6 trillion rubles, or $83 billion, by the end of May, more than double the prior year. The central bank interest rate stands at 14.25 percent. Russian state television commentator Vladimir Solovyov proposed seizing funds from banks to address shortages in Crimea.