Drones strike Russian oil: Fuel shortages and rationing return to Moscow
Russia is facing a second wave of fuel crisis following Ukrainian drone attacks on oil facilities. Major gas station chains, including Rosneft, Gazprom, and Lukoil, have imposed limits on gasoline sales. Despite government claims of market stabilization, Russia has begun importing fuel. Meanwhile, nine people were killed in ongoing hostilities, and 206 prisoners of war were returned in a mutual exchange.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that gas stations in Moscow have reimposed restrictions on gasoline purchases due to fuel shortages, following repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries across the country. The news comes as Russia confirmed it has begun importing fuel from abroad—a highly unusual step for one of the world's largest fuel exporters.
Impact of Attacks on Energy Infrastructure
In recent months, the Ukrainian army has been launching hundreds of drones daily at oil facilities, factories, and warehouses across Russia. Kyiv describes this as a campaign to "bring the war to the Russian citizen," aiming to increase pressure on President Vladimir Putin. Several major oil facilities have been disabled, with repairs expected to take weeks or months.
Long queues have been reported at gas stations in Moscow and the surrounding region. Representatives from Gazprom Neft and Rosneft confirmed that sales are now limited to between 30 and 60 liters per vehicle. Lukoil also announced restrictions, citing increased demand and unplanned maintenance work at refineries.
Government Response and Frontline Situation
Although Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak claimed last month that the fuel market was showing signs of "partial stabilization," experts warn that shortages will persist through the peak summer travel season. Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilev acknowledged the long queues but insisted that fuel remains available while the government addresses logistical bottlenecks.
Today, another attack was recorded, with a drone setting fire to a refinery in Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan. Additionally, President Vladimir Putin has ordered the government to launch a program to restore warehouses belonging to the retail giant Wildberries, which have been targeted repeatedly since July 18.
Casualties and Prisoner Exchange
Heavy fighting continues on both sides, with nine people killed today. In Russia's Belgorod and Bryansk regions, two civilians died in drone attacks. In Kherson, a Russian drone strike on a civilian minibus killed four people. In Zhytomyr, western Ukraine, a Russian drone-missile hit a police headquarters, killing two officers and wounding at least 20 others.
Amid the violence, there was a moment of relief as Russia and Ukraine exchanged 103 prisoners of war each. Among the returning Ukrainians were members of the Armed Forces and the State Border Guard Service. Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Oleksandr Ivashchenko, stated that further exchanges are expected before the end of the month.
