EXCLUSIVE: Russia's gasoline output drops to 70% of domestic demand late in August after drone attacks, sources say
Russia's gasoline production fell to 70% of domestic demand in late August following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. This shortfall has triggered fuel shortages and queues at petrol stations, including in Moscow. To mitigate the crisis, Russia has extended its diesel export ban and is importing petrol from India. Bloomberg reports that refining levels have hit a 20-year low, forcing the Kremlin to scramble for oil imports to stabilize the domestic market.
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- ✓ Ukrainian drone attacks have caused fires at oil refineries in Yaroslavl and Kirishi.
- ✓ Gasoline shortages have led to queues at petrol stations in Moscow.
- ✓ Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports.
- ✓ Ukrainian forces struck a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
What changed
Russian gasoline output has fallen to 70% of domestic demand and refining has hit a 20-year low.
Live updates
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Russian Gasoline Output Drops to 70% of Demand After Drone Strikes
Russia's gasoline production fell to 70% of domestic demand in late August following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. This shortfall has triggered fuel shortages and queues at petrol stations, including in Moscow. To mitigate the crisis, Russia has extended its diesel export ban and is importing petrol from India. Bloomberg reports that refining levels have hit a 20-year low, forcing the Kremlin to scramble for oil imports to stabilize the domestic market.
Why it matters
Ukraine is targeting Russian energy infrastructure to degrade the logistics and funding of the Russian war effort. These strikes aim to disrupt the internal fuel supply chain and force the diversion of resources. The resulting shortages create internal economic pressure and public dissatisfaction.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian drone attacks have caused fires at oil refineries in Yaroslavl and Kirishi.
- Gasoline shortages have led to queues at petrol stations in Moscow.
- Russia has extended its ban on diesel exports.
- Ukrainian forces struck a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia's gasoline output dropped to 70% of domestic demand in late August.
- Russian oil refining has reached a 20-year low.
- Russia is importing petrol from India.
What to watch next
- Official Russian government data on refining capacity and fuel reserves
- Changes to fuel import quotas or additional export bans
- Further Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure in the interior
confidence 80%Sources used for this update (13)
- The Guardian — Ukraine’s drone attacks have left Russia desperately scrambling for oil imports
- Українська правда — Ukrainian forces strike Tu-95MS at Engels airbase used by Russia to attack Ukraine – Zelenskyy
- The Moscow Times — Ukrainian Drone Attack Kills One, Sparks Fire at Yaroslavl Oil Refinery
- Bloomberg.com — Ukraine’s Record Strikes Push Russians Back to Gasoline Lines
- The Daily Beast — Putin Hit by Record Disaster as Humiliating Crisis Escalates
- Reuters — EXCLUSIVE: Russia's gasoline output drops to 70% of domestic demand late in August after drone attacks, sources say
- Українська правда — Russia's fuel shortage spreads to Moscow as queues return to petrol stations – Bloomberg
- Bloomberg.com — Russia Extends Diesel-Export Ban as Ukraine Ramps Up Attacks
- Meduza — Bloomberg: Ukraine’s drones have pushed Russian oil refining to a 20-year low
- The Times of India — Russia has oil, so why is it importing petrol from India
- The Kyiv Independent — Major oil refinery, airbase targeted by Ukrainian forces in reported strikes across Russia
- Українська правда — Russia short of a third of its petrol following refinery strikes
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