Fuel crisis spreads across more than 50 Russian regions and annexed Ukrainian territories

Petrol sales restrictions have been imposed in more than 50 Russian regions, with the situation particularly acute in Crimea and other Russian-annexed Ukrainian territories where fuel reserves are critically low. Even major fuel station chains have introduced purchase limits for customers buying fuel at once. Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries continue.

Russia is facing a fuel shortage that has expanded to more than 50 regions, according to independent outlet Meduza. The crisis is particularly severe in Crimea and Russian-annexed Ukrainian territories, where fuel reserves have reached critically low levels.

Restrictions expanding across the country

The situation has reached a point where even major state-owned fuel chains have introduced purchase limits restricting the amount of fuel sold to individual customers. Such a measure indicates that the problems are no longer localised but have become systemic.

Drone attacks deepen the crisis

The situation is being exacerbated by ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and other oil infrastructure. These attacks have damaged Russia's processing capacity and are contributing to declining fuel reserves across the country.

The crisis reflects the broader vulnerability of Russia's energy sector and the economic toll of the war on Russian citizens. Residents affected by fuel restrictions face daily difficulties with transport and freight deliveries.