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Ukraine’s Drone Strikes on Russian Refineries Spark Fuel Shortages in Occupied Territories
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Fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries are now spreading into Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, according to a report by The Moscow Times on September 1.
In occupied Luhansk, gas stations are reporting empty pumps for AI‑92 and AI‑95 gasoline. So-called Luhansk Ministry of Fuel and Energy cited supply disruptions, depleted reserves among fuel suppliers, and unusually high demand over the past weeks.
Officials say the situation may begin to stabilize after September 1, though some stations could continue facing shortages.
The crisis follows similar shortages across Russia, including Zabaykalsky Krai and Crimea, where authorities reinstated Soviet-style fuel rationing. Long lines have formed at gas stations in Primorye, and the Kuril Islands temporarily suspended gasoline sales entirely.
Ukraine’s latest wave of drone and missile strikes has dealt one of the most severe blows yet to Russia’s oil sector, hitting at least ten refineries and fuel terminals in multiple regions. The attacks reportedly disabled 17 refining units, removing roughly 14% of Russia’s total refining capacity from operation.
Five plants—Novokuibyshevsk, Saratov, Volgograd, Syzran, and Kuybyshev—were fully halted, while Rosneft’s Ryzan refinery, which supplies Moscow, was operating at half capacity. Meanwhile, the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Rostov Oblast smoldered for five days following a drone strike.
These disruptions have sent fuel prices soaring. In August, AI‑92 “Regular” gasoline hit $901 per ton, and AI‑95 “Premium” reached 1020$—a 40‑50% increase since January. Idle refinery capacity reached a record 6.4 million tons, or 23%, according to industry estimates, The Moscow Times stated.
Russian officials, however, are downplaying the crisis. Presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on August 28 that the fuel market is “stable,” “under control,” and “fully supplied.” He added, “The government is taking vigorous measures to ensure that energy and gasoline prices remain within a stable range.”
Previously, it was reported that gasoline prices in Russia have reached historic highs for the second consecutive day, following the suspension of production at two major Rosneft refineries. Despite government attempts to curb the surge with a full ban on fuel exports, prices have continued to climb on the wholesale market.
