Russia’s War Machine Takes Priority as Farmers Run Short of Fuel During Harvest

Russia’s agricultural sector is entering a deeper crisis as state support shrinks, diesel supplies tighten, and grain exports become increasingly difficult—all while the military receives priority access to fuel, Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service reported on July 29.

According to the agency, the pressures are already disrupting the harvest and pushing many Russian agricultural businesses closer to operating at a loss.

Moscow has reduced subsidized lending programs at a time when farmers are struggling with rising costs and limited access to financing. The cuts come despite the Kremlin’s expectations for strong harvest figures.

“Instead of supporting farmers, the Agriculture Ministry cut subsidized lending precisely when many farms were already operating on the edge of profitability,” the intelligence service said.

Fuel shortages are creating an even more immediate problem. Ukraine’s intelligence service estimated that Russia’s domestic market is currently short by approximately 20% of required supplies.

Read more

Category

War in Ukraine

No One Believes in the Russian Economy. Not Even Russians

Jul 27, 2026 12:26

The agency attributed the deficit to damage sustained by nearly 10 of Russia’s largest oil refineries. While shortages initially affected mainly high-octane gasoline, diesel—essential for tractors, combines, and other agricultural machinery—is now increasingly difficult to obtain.

Russia has already suspended diesel exports through the end of July, and the restriction could be extended as the harvest continues.

The most severe shortages have reportedly emerged in the Irkutsk region and Altai territory. Farmers in the Rostov region, Krasnodar territory, the Volga region, and Stavropol have also complained of supply problems.

Smaller farms are particularly vulnerable because they often lack the money and storage capacity needed to purchase large fuel reserves in advance.

With the Russian military taking priority in fuel distribution, farmers are being left to absorb the consequences of refinery damage, reduced state financing, and growing pressure on the country’s logistics network.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia’s worsening fuel crisis was beginning to disrupt military operations in Ukraine, with Russian troops reporting reduced gasoline and diesel deliveries, strict refueling limits, and growing difficulty supplying frontline positions.

Truth is Under Attack

We report the war as it unfolds directly from the people and places most affected by it. Your support helps us bring these stories to the world.

SUPPORT