Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Russian refineries have triggered a deepening fuel crisis across Russia, with gasoline purchase restrictions in place in 53 regions and motorists facing long lines and rationing, the Wall Street Journal reported.Moscow refineries were hit twice in a week. The International Energy Agency said the attacks had destroyed about 20% of Russia’s refining capacity, calling the damage “unprecedented in the history of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.”
Moscow refinery hit twice in a week
Ukraine attacked Moscow oil refineries twice, on June 16 and June 18, in what was likely the largest attack on the Russian capital since a full-scale invasion began in 2022. Video footage showed multiple fireballs and black smoke over the facility in the Kapotnya district, which produces more than a third of the fuel in Moscow and the surrounding region.The June 18 strike damaged the Euro+ crude processing complex, which was commissioned in 2020 as part of a refinery modernization plan, industry sources cited by Reuters said. The unit includes a crude distillation section with a nominal capacity of approximately 140,000 barrels per day, representing approximately 47% of the refinery’s total processing capacity. The strike earlier on June 16 had damaged another major crude distillation unit, which is responsible for about 53% of the refinery’s processing capacity. Satellite images released by Exilenova+ show a severely damaged storage tank with its roof blown off, as well as clear signs of firefighting activity in multiple critical processing areas.
fuel rationing All over Russia
According to Russian independent media The Bell, fuel purchase restrictions have spread to 53 Russian regions and occupied territories. Drivers are usually only allowed to carry one tank of fuel to prevent hoarding. In 18 regions, motorists are limited to purchasing more than 50 liters or a full tank of petrol per customer. Oil producer Tatneft has imposed restrictions at hundreds of gas stations across the country, including one south of Moscow that limited gasoline sales to 20 liters per vehicle.In Crimea, the situation is particularly serious. Ukrainian forces have attacked tankers and trucks delivering fuel to the peninsula, with rationing starting as early as late May. Motorists reported waiting up to three hours for refueling. Local authorities have implemented a QR code dispensing system that drivers must present to receive their allocated fuel quota.
strategic changes in war
According to the Wall Street Journal, “attacks in Ukraine have forced Russia to ration fuel,” demonstrating Kyiv’s ability to strike targets hundreds of kilometers away in Russia. The strike forced the complete or partial closure of many facilities, and more than 20% of Russia’s primary refining capacity was temporarily idle.Former Russian Deputy Energy Minister Vladimir Milov said the attacks have become more effective because Ukraine is targeting Russia’s largest and most modern refineries, which use Western equipment that is difficult to replace.“These 10 to 15 refineries are a very narrow and vulnerable target. Simply put, attacking them would trigger a crisis,” Milov said.Following the strike, Russian Railways set up a special task force to ensure “uninterrupted supply” of fuel to regions. The Russian government has also banned jet fuel exports and expanded rules that allow refiners to sell domestically produced fuel that does not meet Euro-5 quality standards.Russian state television has downplayed shortages despite the growing crisis, with a prominent pro-Kremlin presenter dismissing as “hysterical” Russians who posted images of empty gas stations. Moscow fines for publishing images of fallout from attacks in Ukraine.
