Moscow, St. Petersburg Petrol Stations Ration Fuel at 50-150 Litres as Drone Strikes Stoke Shortage Fears
Updated
Updated · Новая газета. Европа · Jun 3
Moscow, St. Petersburg Petrol Stations Ration Fuel at 50-150 Litres as Drone Strikes Stoke Shortage Fears
3 articles · Updated · Новая газета. Европа · Jun 3
Summary
Fuel retailers in Moscow and the St. Petersburg region have started capping sales, with limits ranging from 50 litres to 150 litres per customer depending on the operator.
ORTK said its Moscow restrictions reflect current market conditions, while suppliers around St. Petersburg cited logistical disruptions after repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on the Kirishi refinery forced fuel to be brought from farther away.
The curbs follow broader signs of strain: severe limits on petrol sales in Russian-occupied Ukraine, rising domestic fuel prices, and warnings from some operators including Rosneft and Tatneft that they could impose caps if conditions worsen.
The Kremlin has insisted there is no nationwide shortage, but it has already banned petrol exports since April and this week expanded the export ban to aviation fuel to stabilize the domestic market.
How can an energy superpower like Russia be running out of petrol in its biggest cities?
Are Ukrainian drones effectively winning the economic war by grounding Russia's fuel supply?
Fuel Rationing Grips Moscow and St. Petersburg as Ukrainian Drone Attacks Cripple Russian Refineries
Overview
In June 2026, Russia’s fuel crisis escalated as rationing was imposed in Moscow and St. Petersburg, following severe shortages that began in the southern regions like Crimea. The crisis started with long queues and strict limits on fuel purchases in the south, where gasoline was only available through coupons and jerry cans were banned. As shortages and price spikes spread rapidly across the country, millions in major cities now face daily disruptions. This situation highlights how a local supply problem quickly grew into a nationwide emergency, affecting both ordinary citizens and businesses in Russia’s largest urban centers.