Since Ukraine escalated its long-range drone campaign against Russian oil refineries in mid-2025, the strikes have knocked out an estimated 42.7% of Russia's designed refining capacity, according to Ukraine's General Staff, hitting at least 8 of Russia's 10 largest refineries — some of them repeatedly. The Moscow Oil Refinery, which supplied roughly 60% of the capital region's fuel before being struck, is expected to remain offline for repairs until early 2027. By August 2026, nearly all of Russia's 83 regions were reporting gasoline shortages or supply disruptions, according to a CNN analysis of official statements, with at least three regions declaring a "state of heightened alert." Independent outlet Mediazona counted at least 56 regions that had introduced fuel rationing tied to license plate numbers, per-vehicle purchase limits, or bans on filling portable fuel cans — including Kaluga Oblast, which borders the Moscow region itself. Putin's government responded by banning gasoline and jet fuel exports to prioritize domestic supply and floating a possible ban on diesel exports as well. Drivers in Moscow told CNN they had spent days searching for gas. The shortages are landing just ahead of Russia's regional parliamentary elections, adding political pressure the Kremlin didn't ask for.
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| Image from AP |
Commentary: Putin started a war to project strength and ended up rationing gasoline to his own capital by license plate number — nothing says "winning" like a Muscovite circling the block for three days looking for a working pump.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/06/europe/russia-fuel-crisis-ukraine-drone-attacks-intl-vis
AI disclosure: ⚠️ This content was researched and written with AI assistance and may be fully AI-generated. All facts are sourced from the linked article and corroborating sources.
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