Ukrainian Attacks Fuel Russian Fuel Shortages, Prompt Export Ban & Growing concerns
Moscow, Russia – Recent Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian oil refineries have triggered fuel shortages and rising public discontent, prompting the Kremlin to halt gasoline and diesel exports until the end of the year. The measures,announced by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Nowak,aim to stabilize domestic supply as damaged facilities operate at reduced capacity.
According to energy expert Vaculenko, the situation is “arduous but manageable,” with Russia able to leverage its state reserve and assistance from Belarus to mitigate the impact.He dismissed fears of a crippling supply crisis, stating, “We are still far from a deep, full-grown supply crisis that could affect the functionality of the russian economy or the military,” and predicting the shortages should ease by October.
The disruptions have already led to localized fuel scarcity, especially in Crimea. President Sergei Aksjonow announced via Telegram that petrol stations should be resupplied with AI-95 within two days, while AI-92 deliveries will take approximately two weeks.
Nowak stated the export ban, initially set to expire September 30 for all market participants and October 31 for non-producers, will now extend through December 31 for gasoline and apply to non-producers for diesel fuel. Deliveries under existing intergovernmental agreements are exempt. The attacks, including a fire at an oil refinery in Rjasan in March 2024 reportedly caused by a drone, have highlighted vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
