Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries trigger fuel shortages

Ukraine’s recent strikes on several of Russia’s largest oil refineries have triggered a nationwide shortage of gasoline and diesel, officials said. The attacks, carried out by Ukrainian forces using precision‑guided munitions, hit facilities in the western and southern regions that together account for roughly one‑third of Russia’s refining capacity. Within days, the Ministry of Energy reported a sharp decline in fuel output, prompting emergency alerts to distributors and prompting authorities to impose temporary rationing measures in major cities.

In response, Russian officials announced plans to divert stockpiles from strategic reserves and accelerate repairs at the damaged plants, while also urging consumers to reduce non‑essential travel. Prices at retail stations rose by up to 15 percent in the first week after the attacks, and logistics firms reported delays in freight deliveries across the country. The fuel shortage adds pressure to an already strained Russian economy and underscores the broader impact of the ongoing conflict on the nation’s energy infrastructure.