As a result of massive attacks by Ukrainian drones on oil infrastructure, the Russian Federation has lost the ability to process approximately 1.1 million barrels of oil daily. These volumes previously supplied oil refineries for the production of gasoline and diesel fuel.
This is reported by Business • Media
Fuel Crisis and Its Impact on the Russian Market
The forced reduction in production has compelled Russia to increase oil exports, as a fuel shortage has emerged in the domestic market. Meanwhile, the United States is applying diplomatic pressure on China and India, urging them to limit purchases of Russian oil to intensify economic pressure on Russia.
The fuel shortage has already affected certain regions of Russia, especially during peak demand periods from tourists and farmers. According to estimates by international experts, 13-17% of fuel production capacity has been rendered inoperative.
“In the past month, Ukraine has struck more than 10 Russian oil refineries. The fire at the Novoshakhtinsk Oil Refinery was extinguished only on the sixth day after the attack on August 21. One of the Russian regions (Kuril District) has completely halted gasoline sales at gas stations due to the escalating fuel crisis.”
Supply Restrictions from Belarus and Sanction Pressure
Amid the fuel shortage, Belarus has decided to reduce its export of oil products to Russia, favoring more lucrative markets in China, India, and African countries. Western sanctions, which have sharply intensified since 2022, have significantly complicated Russia’s efforts to restore damaged infrastructure and repair oil refineries.
Despite the challenging situation in the fuel market, experts believe that the current crisis will not have a direct impact on the strategic military plans of the Russian leadership or its political positions. At the same time, any disruption in the stability of energy and logistics sectors is a crucial factor in the protracted war.