Ukraine’s Record Strikes Push Russians Back to Gasoline Lines
President Donald Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries and diesel distribution infrastructure. Trump cited a global shortage and rising fuel costs as the primary drivers for his request. U.S. diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, fueling inflation and political pressure. These price spikes coincide with a shutdown of Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
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- ✓ President Donald Trump called on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure.
- ✓ U.S. diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon.
- ✓ Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its East-West oil pipeline.
What changed
President Trump explicitly requested that President Zelenskyy stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure to mitigate global shortages.
Live updates
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Trump Urges Ukraine to Halt Russian Diesel Refinery Strikes
President Donald Trump called on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries and diesel distribution infrastructure. Trump cited a global shortage and rising fuel costs as the primary drivers for his request. U.S. diesel prices have surpassed $6 per gallon, fueling inflation and political pressure. These price spikes coincide with a shutdown of Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline following attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Why it matters
Ukraine previously triggered Russian diesel export bans in July and domestic rationing through its refinery campaign. The intersection of these strikes and Middle East instability has increased Brent crude volatility. Global energy markets remain sensitive to disruptions in both Russian production and Saudi transport.
What is confirmed
- President Donald Trump called on President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to stop strikes on Russian oil refineries and diesel infrastructure.
- U.S. diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon.
- Iran-backed Houthi rebels forced Saudi Arabia to shut down its East-West oil pipeline.
What to watch next
- Zelenskyy's formal response to Trump's request
- Updates on the operational status of the Saudi East-West pipeline
- Changes in Russian diesel export ban policies
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.briefs.co — Trump urges Zelenskyy to avoid Russian diesel targets as fuel costs spike
- san.com — Fighting between Houthis and Saudi Arabia drives oil prices soaring
- www.nbcnews.com — Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel fuel, citing a global shortage
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Trump Urges Ukraine to Stop Diesel Strikes as Global Fuel Costs Rise
Donald Trump has called for Ukraine to end long-range strikes on Russian diesel facilities, claiming the attacks are creating fuel shortages. Ukraine's campaign has already forced Russia to ban diesel exports as of July and implement domestic rationing. These disruptions, combined with drone attacks on Saudi Arabia's East-West pipeline and tensions involving Iran-backed Houthis in the Gulf, have contributed to U.S. diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon. Brent crude remains volatile, hovering near $105 per barrel amid ongoing supply fears.
Why it matters
Ukraine targets Russian oil and gas infrastructure to weaken Moscow's economy and war funding. These strikes have reduced Russian refining capacity by approximately 30 percent. Global markets are now reacting to a combination of these attacks and geopolitical instability in the Middle East.
What is confirmed
- Russia banned diesel exports in July.
- U.S. diesel prices have risen above $6 per gallon.
- Saudi Arabia stopped flows on the East-West oil pipeline following drone attacks linked to Iraq's Maysan province.
Still unconfirmed
- Iran-backed Houthis asked the U.S. not to target them.
What to watch next
- Status of repairs and flow resumption on the Saudi East-West pipeline.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (7)
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- www.briefs.co — Saudis Shut East-West Pipeline After Drone Strikes
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- www.pbs.org — Trump calls on Ukraine to halt strikes on Russian diesel, saying attacks are causing a shortage
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US Diesel Tops $6 as Ukraine Strikes Crush Russian Refining
U.S. diesel prices exceeded $6 per gallon for the first time on Thursday, driven by global fuel supply disruptions, a Russian diesel export ban, and Chinese export restrictions. Oil futures climbed above $100 per barrel, with Brent crude rising 6.34% to $107.63. Meanwhile, ongoing Ukrainian drone strikes and sanctions have cut Russia's oil refining capacity by approximately 30 percent, triggering export cuts, rationing, and extended repair timelines at facilities including Rosneft's Saratov refinery.
Why it matters
The convergence of Middle Eastern military conflicts and targeted Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian energy infrastructure has severely pinched global petroleum supplies. Higher transportation costs threaten to cascade through supply chains and inflate consumer prices nationwide. Russia is struggling to meet production quotas as repeated attacks degrade its domestic refining capabilities.
What is confirmed
- The average price of diesel in the United States exceeded $6 per gallon for the first time on Thursday, according to GasBuddy.
- Brent crude rose 6.34% to settle at $107.63 per barrel on Thursday.
- Repeated drone strikes and sanctions have reduced Russia's oil refining by about 30 percent, according to the IEA.
Still unconfirmed
- U.S. jets on a base in Jordan were hit by Iranian missiles after Donald Trump promised the war would end immediately after midterms, according to sources telling CBS News.
- Ukraine stated it hit Rosneft's Saratov refinery in the Volga region, with NASA imagery showing new heat hotspots.
What to watch next
- Whether U.S. diesel prices remain above $6 per gallon and fuel cargo transportation disruptions nationwide.
- Further developments in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and its continued impact on global oil futures.
- Damage assessments and repair timelines at Russian refineries following recent Ukrainian drone strikes.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.yahoo.com — Iran strikes U.S. jets after Trump promises war to end after midterms
- jen.jiji.com — US diesel price tops $6 for first time
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- www.briefs.co — IEA: Drone Strikes and Sanctions Are Wearing Down Russia's Refineries
- www.briefs.co — Ukraine Says It Hit Rosneft Refinery In Volga Region
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Russian Oil Output Drops as U.S.-Iran Conflict Spikes Global Fuel Prices
Russian crude oil production fell to 8.718m bpd in August, dropping 1.17m bpd below its OPEC+ quota following intensified Ukrainian strikes. Simultaneously, global energy markets are reacting to a standoff between the U.S. and Iran, which drove Brent crude to approximately $101 and WTI to $96. These combined pressures have pushed diesel prices to record highs across the United States and Virginia. Market analysts expect supply risks to maintain elevated prices leading into the U.S. midterms.
Why it matters
Ukraine has targeted Russian refineries in Perm and Tatarstan to disrupt energy exports. This coincides with U.S. military strikes on five Iranian tankers after attacks on a U.S. warship. Together, these geopolitical conflicts are tightening the global energy supply.
What is confirmed
- Russia produced 8.718m bpd of crude oil in August, which was 1.17m bpd below its OPEC+ quota.
- Brent crude is hovering near $101 per barrel.
- WTI crude is priced at $96.
- Diesel fuel prices reached a record high in Virginia and across the United States on Wednesday.
What to watch next
- U.S. midterm election results
- Further Iranian warnings of escalation
- Updated OPEC production data for September
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (4)
- www.briefs.co — Brent hovers near $101 as Iran warns of escalation, keeping energy on edge
- richmond.com — Va. diesel prices hit record high
- jen.jiji.com — Historic heatwave sweeps Uzbekistan in August 2026
- www.briefs.co — Russia's August Crude Output Fell Well Below OPEC+ Quota
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U.S. Strikes Iranian Tankers as Global Oil Prices Surge
Global oil prices jumped after the U.S. military destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers. Brent crude rose above $101 and WTI approached $95 amid fears of supply disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Central Command stated the strikes followed attacks on a U.S. warship by Iran's Revolutionary Guard. This escalation coincides with existing fuel market volatility following Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries in Perm and Tatarstan, further tightening the global squeeze on energy exports.
Why it matters
Energy markets are facing simultaneous shocks from the Ukraine-Russia conflict and U.S.-Iran hostilities. These disruptions threaten critical transit routes and refinery capacities. Goldman Sachs suggests oil could reach $120 if attacks intensify.
What is confirmed
- The U.S. military destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers.
- Brent crude oil prices rose above $101.
- WTI crude oil prices approached $95.
Still unconfirmed
- The Iranian Revolutionary Guard claims it hit American ships, a claim the U.S. Central Command rejects.
What to watch next
- Goldman Sachs price targets for $120 oil
- Further military activity near the Strait of Hormuz
- Official WTA rankings update on September 14
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (8)
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Ukraine Strikes Russian Refineries as U.S. Envoys Meet Zelensky
Ukrainian long-range forces executed strikes against major Russian refineries in Perm and Tatarstan, tightening the squeeze on fuel exports and global diesel markets. The military action followed a weekend of diplomatic maneuvering in Kyiv and Moscow involving U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff. Russian President Vladimir Putin conceded only a three-day pause on strikes against the Ukrainian capital during talks with the American delegation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with the envoys as Kyiv requested a bundled package of air-defense systems and U.S. liquefied natural gas.
Why it matters
The Trump administration has restarted its Ukraine peace effort, though no public evidence indicates Russia has softened its core demands. Zelensky emerged from the weekend meetings with a promise of further talks after declaring that the diplomatic push failed to produce a breakthrough. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues its strategic targeting of Russian energy infrastructure ahead of another winter.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian long-range forces struck refineries in Perm and Tatarstan, squeezing fuel exports and global diesel markets.
- U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow and Kyiv for meetings with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky.
- Vladimir Putin conceded a three-day pause on strikes against Kyiv.
- Volodymyr Zelensky met with the U.S. envoys as Kyiv requested a bundled package of air-defense systems and U.S. liquefied natural gas.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia has softened its core demands for ending the war.
What to watch next
- Any sign of Russia softening its core diplomatic demands.
- Implementation or extension of the temporary strike pause on Kyiv.
- Developments regarding the requested air-defense and liquefied natural gas package.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
- oilprice.com — Trump Envoys Shuttle Between Moscow and Kyiv as U.S. Revives Ukraine Peace Push
- www.briefs.co — Ukraine says it hit Russian refineries in Perm and Tatarstan after weekend of diplomatic drama
- brusselssignal.eu — Witkoff and Kushner carry Trump’s peace push from the Kremlin to Kiev
- www.foxnews.com — What can Russia gain from Ukraine peace talks?
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U.S. Envoys Meet Zelensky After Putin Talks
U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff traveled to Kyiv on Sunday to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky following meetings in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin. President Zelensky stated that the peace talks failed to produce a diplomatic breakthrough, declaring that the war will continue. During their visits, Kyiv requested a bundled package of air-defense systems and U.S. liquefied natural gas as the conflict approaches another winter. Meanwhile, the Kremlin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv.
Why it matters
The diplomatic missions by U.S. envoys seek to restart negotiations to end the ongoing war, which continues to pressure Ukrainian logistics and energy infrastructure as winter approaches. Concurrently, broader geopolitical tensions escalated as U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles. These parallel developments highlight the intersection of regional conflicts affecting both European security and global energy markets.
What is confirmed
- U.S. peace envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff arrived in Kyiv on Sunday for talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky after meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the peace talks did not achieve a breakthrough and that the war will continue.
- Ukraine is seeking a bundled package of air-defense systems and U.S. liquefied natural gas as the war heads into another winter.
- U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers after American Navy warships were targeted with ballistic missiles.
Still unconfirmed
- U.S. envoys hope for new Ukraine-Russia talks soon after completing their visits to both capitals.
What to watch next
- Any follow-up negotiations or new talks scheduled between Ukraine and Russia following the envoys' visits.
- Developments regarding the U.S. air-defense and liquefied natural gas package requested by Kyiv.
- Further military or economic escalations involving U.S. forces and Iranian oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (7)
- norfolkdailynews.com — Putin orders a 72-hour pause in strikes on Kyiv as US envoys visit
- www.yahoo.com — US strikes 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying warships were targeted with ballistic missiles
- www.yahoo.com — 'The war will continue' — US peace push fails to achieve deal after Witkoff, Kushner's first visit to Kyiv
- www.yahoo.com — US envoys Witkoff and Kushner arrive in Kyiv after talks with Putin in Russia
- www.briefs.co — Ukraine Seeks Air Defenses and US LNG as War Heads Into Another Winter
- www.aol.com — US envoys hope for new Ukraine-Russia talks soon after visits to both capitals
- www.foxnews.com — Iran announces plan for 'exclusion zone' in Strait of Hormuz
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U.S. Envoys Arrive in Moscow as Russian Forces Advance in Donetsk
U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have traveled to Moscow to restart peace talks aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the Russian Defence Ministry reported capturing Nikanorovka and Gruzskoye in Donetsk, moving forces within seven kilometers of Kramatorsk. These battlefield movements threaten vital logistics routes like the N20 highway and pressure key strongholds including Slavyansk, Dobropolye, and Druzhkovka. Concurrently, hedge funds increased net-long Brent and U.S. crude positions as ongoing Middle East strikes and Strait of Hormuz risks push diesel and gasoline prices to record highs.
Why it matters
The diplomatic push led by Witkoff and Kushner occurs while Russian troops press closer to major Ukrainian urban strongholds in Donetsk following weeks of intensified combat. Energy markets react heavily to concurrent disruptions across eastern Europe and the Middle East, where regional hostilities drive record fuel costs. These overlapping crises directly influence domestic energy markets in the United States and challenge Western containment strategies.
What is confirmed
- U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner arrived in Moscow to revive efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
- Russian forces captured Nikanorovka and Gruzskoye in Donetsk.
- Russian troops are seven kilometers away from the key stronghold of Kramatorsk.
- Hedge funds lifted net-long Brent and U.S. crude positions due to Hormuz tensions and Middle East strikes.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian war correspondent Alexander Kots suggested that control of key positions and the N20 highway could help Moscow pressure Kramatorsk and disrupt the link between Kramatorsk and Slavyansk.
- The Russian Defence Ministry claims heavy Ukrainian losses and the destruction of armoured vehicles, artillery systems, and electronic-warfare equipment over the past week.
What to watch next
- Progress or breakdown in the Moscow peace talks led by Witkoff and Kushner.
- Further Russian advances toward Kramatorsk and the N20 highway.
- Crude oil and diesel price reactions to Middle East shipping risks.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
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- apnews.com — US envoys Witkoff and Kushner are in Moscow in a new push for peace between Russia and Ukraine
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com — Putin's Final Assault On Ukraine Next? Russian Forces Just 7 Km Away From Key Stronghold Kramatorsk
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Ukraine Strikes Force Russian Diesel Ban as U.S. Prices Hit Record Highs
Ukrainian drone strikes have shut down two Russian oil refineries located over 800 kilometers from the border, forcing Moscow to ban diesel exports. This supply shock, combined with conflict in Iran, has pushed U.S. diesel prices to record highs. Russia's oil revenues fell to 326.2B rubles in August, a six-month low driven by falling Urals prices and increased refinery subsidies. While the U.S. sees record diesel costs, JD Vance claims government efforts prevented pump prices from rising even further.
Why it matters
Russia is attempting to offset domestic fuel shortages by contracting foreign refining capacity, including a deal with Kazakhstan's Kondensat refinery. These energy disruptions coincide with broader geopolitical instability, including Iranian missile strikes on a U.S. base in Kuwait and diplomatic efforts by Trump envoys Kushner and Witkoff.
What is confirmed
- Two Russian oil refineries ceased operations following Ukrainian attacks on facilities located more than 800 kilometers from the border.
- Russia banned diesel exports as Ukraine targeted its refinery infrastructure.
- Russian oil revenues dropped to 326.2B rubles in August, marking a six-month low.
- U.S. diesel prices reached a record high.
Still unconfirmed
- Iranian personnel are stationed alongside Hezbollah fighters at the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon.
- A Russian general accused of bombing a Kyiv children's hospital was shot twice outside his home.
What to watch next
- Results of diplomatic visits to Moscow and Kyiv by Kushner and Witkoff.
- Further shifts in Russian oil revenue and refinery subsidies for September.
- Impact of Iranian regional escalation on global oil and diesel pricing.
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (12)
- www.cnbc.com — Stock futures are little changed as traders await August jobs report: Live updates
- www.staradvertiser.com — Iran buries victims of reported U.S. airstrike on wedding party
- www.yahoo.com — With a Wary Eye on Russia, Finland Runs Europe's Largest Civil Defense Exercise Since WWII
- www.briefs.co — Russia's Oil Revenue Hits Six-Month Low in August
- www.briefs.co — Late Summer Heat Sets New Record and Keeps U.S. Grids on Edge
- www.yahoo.com — Price of diesel in U.S. hits record as Vance downplays Iran war impact
- www.cnbc.com — Diesel hits record high as Ukraine and Iran wars knock out refineries, fueling inflation worries
- www.ms.now — Kushner and Witkoff head to Russia and Ukraine in search of a diplomatic win
- thedeepdive.ca — Russian General Accused of Bombing Kyiv Children’s Hospital Shot Outside His Home
- www.yahoo.com — 2 Russian oil refineries cease operations after Ukrainian strikes, General Staff says
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Russia Turns to Kazakhstan as Ukrainian Drone Strikes Deepen Fuel Shortages
Russia is contracting foreign refining capacity to address domestic fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries. Moscow has secured a deal to use the private Kondensat refinery in Kazakhstan, though analysts state this capacity is too small to close the production gap. Treasury chief Bessent links these strikes and conflict in Iran to a surge in oil prices toward $100 and tightened diesel supplies, which has resulted in record U.S. exports and low inventories on the U.S. East Coast.
Why it matters
Ukrainian forces have targeted Russian energy infrastructure to degrade military logistics and economic stability. Previous strikes reduced gasoline production to 70% of domestic demand, causing fuel lines across Russia and blackouts in occupied Crimea.
What is confirmed
- Russia has reached an agreement to use the private Kondensat refinery in Kazakhstan to process its oil.
- Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted and disabled major Russian oil refineries.
- Treasury chief Bessent stated that Ukraine strikes and the Iran conflict pushed oil prices toward $100.
Still unconfirmed
- Foreign refining capacity available to Russia is far too small to close the current fuel gap.
- The conflict in Iran and Ukrainian strikes have spurred record U.S. exports and low East Coast inventories.
What to watch next
- Extension of the Russian diesel export ban beyond September
- Further agreements with Central Asian nations for oil processing capacity
- Changes in U.S. East Coast diesel inventory levels
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (10)
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- seekingalpha.com — Goehring & Rozencwajg Q2 2026 Natural Resource Market Commentary
- oilprice.com — Ukraine’s Refinery Strikes Force Russia to Process Oil Abroad
- www.briefs.co — Treasury chief links Ukraine strikes and Iran conflict to energy price surge
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Ukrainian Refinery Strikes Cut Russian Gasoline Output to 70%
Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have reduced Russian gasoline production to 70% of domestic demand. This shortfall has caused gasoline lines to return across Russia and triggered a search for oil imports. In occupied Crimea, sustained strikes have led to blackouts and fuel shortages. Russia is expected to extend its diesel export ban through September to stabilize internal supplies. Ukrainian forces also continue targeting military assets, including a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
Why it matters
The degradation of energy infrastructure aims to cripple Russian logistics and domestic stability. Sustained pressure on refineries forces the Kremlin to divert resources from the war effort to manage internal fuel crises.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries reduced Russian gasoline output to 70% of domestic demand as of late August.
- Fuel shortages and blackouts have occurred in occupied Crimea due to sustained strikes.
- Ukrainian forces targeted a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia is expected to extend its diesel export ban through September to stabilize internal supplies.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the diesel export ban extension
- Reports on Russian oil import volumes to offset production drops
- Further drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (6)
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Ukrainian Drone Strikes Trigger Russian Gasoline Shortages
Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries have reduced Russian gasoline output to 70% of domestic demand as of late August. This production drop has caused gasoline lines to reappear across Russia and forced the Kremlin to scramble for oil imports. In occupied Crimea, sustained strikes have resulted in fuel shortages and blackouts. To stabilize internal supplies, Russia is expected to extend its diesel export ban through September. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces continue to target military infrastructure, including a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
Why it matters
Russia relies heavily on its refinery network to sustain both its military machine and domestic economy. By targeting these facilities, Ukraine aims to disrupt logistics and create internal political pressure through economic instability. This strategy shifts the conflict's focus toward Russia's energy infrastructure.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian drone attacks have caused gasoline lines in Russia.
- Ukrainian strikes have caused fuel shortages and blackouts in occupied Crimea.
- Ukrainian forces struck a Tu-95MS aircraft at the Engels airbase.
- A Ukrainian drone attack at the Yaroslavl oil refinery killed one person and started a fire.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia will extend its diesel export ban through September.
- Russian gasoline output dropped to 70% of domestic demand in late August.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of the diesel export ban extension
- Reports on the operational status of the Yaroslavl oil refinery
- Further data on Russian gasoline production levels for September
confidence 85%Sources used for this update (11)
- Reuters — Russia to extend diesel export ban through September, sources say
- 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
- dw.com — DW users on life in Russia: 'People are mad as hell'
- 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
- english.nv.ua — Ukrainian strikes batter Crimea, exposing cracks in Kremlin’s ‘safe harbor’ — NV analysis
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