Russia Faces Escalating Gasoline Crisis as Drone Attacks Cripple Refining Capacity
Moscow – A severe gasoline shortage is gripping Russia, with widespread reports of stations rationing fuel or closing entirely, exacerbated by ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks targeting key oil refineries and deepening economic challenges within the country. The crisis is impacting both ordinary citizens and state-backed services, prompting concerns about broader economic disruption.
According to reports surfacing in early September 2025,access to gasoline is becoming increasingly restricted,particularly in regions like the self-proclaimed Republic of Lugansk,where fuel is reportedly being reserved for civil servants with coupons. This situation stems from a significant reduction in Russia’s oil refining capacity following a sustained campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes throughout August, which eliminated approximately 17% – or 1.1 million barrels per day – of the nation’s refining capabilities, according to Reuters.
Several major refineries have been forced to halt operations entirely, including Novokuishevski, Saratov, Volgogradski, and Sisranian. In September, the Rida refinery, responsible for roughly 5% of Russia’s total oil refining, also partially suspended work. Independent fuel suppliers are already feeling the strain. pavel Bazhenov, President of the Independent union of Fuel Suppliers, stated that numerous independent gas stations have been forced to close due to the inability to secure fuel supplies. “some do not agree to work from gasoline to gasoline, others have not been able to receive fuel for a long time. a very large part of gas stations can no longer receive anything from the non-processing plants,” he confirmed.
Adding to the supply issues are Russia’s current budgetary constraints, which are making it unprofitable for companies to trade gasoline.Vladimir Omelchenko, Director of Energy Programs at the Razumkov Center, explained that state subsidies intended to compensate fuel supply companies for selling gasoline at fixed prices are unavailable due to a budget deficit. “It is not favorable for oil companies to supply and sell gas through the gas stations,” he said.The situation raises questions about Russia’s ability to maintain domestic fuel supplies and potentially impacts its export capacity, with implications for its economy and ongoing military operations.