Russia has announced it will extend a ban on fuel exports until the end of the year as gas stations across the country and in occupied territories struggle
to keep pumps filled. The move comes amid intensifying Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian refineries, pumping stations and fuel trains. Kyiv increased attacks on Russia's fuel infrastructure over the summer, seeking to disrupt supply chains during a period of high demand when more people travel for vacations. While Russian officials initially attributed the shortages to "logistical reasons" and promised gasoline and diesel would resume flowing, the problem has worsened in recent weeks. The Ukrainian Air Force reported multiple strikes this week, including at a major Gazprom-operated refinery in Bashkortostan, southern Russia. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday that the fuel export embargo would be extended, affecting both gasoline and some diesel products. According to the Russian state news agency TASS, Novak acknowledged a "slight shortage of petroleum products" but insisted it was being managed using "accumulated reserves." Russia is one of the world's largest producers of diesel, and exports of fuel represent a significant source of revenue for the government. Nevertheless, the shortage is affecting domestic supply. Reports from the pro-Kremlin newspaper Izvestia suggest that some regions have begun rationing gasoline and diesel, limiting the amount each customer can purchase.
The situation is particularly severe in Crimea, the southern Ukrainian peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. Business news outlet Kommersant reported that about half of the petrol pumps in Crimea are now out of service. The Russian-imposed governor of the region admitted that the shortages were caused by "reduced production" at refineries, though he did not acknowledge the impact of the war on Ukraine.
Social media and local Telegram channels have documented long lines at the few operational gas stations. Crimean Wind, which shares updates from the region, reported that Sevastopol was completely out of gasoline on Wednesday. When two fuel tankers arrived at one station, the queue formed almost immediately and both tankers were emptied within a few hours. Prices for gasoline reportedly rose by about a third compared to the previous month.
The channel added with sarcasm: "There are no lines for hay yet, and the prices for horses and donkeys are stable."