Updated · The Independent Barents Observer · Jun 12
Karelia Fuel Chains Restrict Petrol Sales to 20-80 Litres as Drone Strike Fallout Squeezes Supply
Updated
Updated · The Independent Barents Observer · Jun 12
Karelia Fuel Chains Restrict Petrol Sales to 20-80 Litres as Drone Strike Fallout Squeezes Supply
2 articles · Updated · The Independent Barents Observer · Jun 12
Summary
Federal filling station chains in Karelia have begun rationing petrol sales, with limits of 20 to 80 litres per customer and queues stretching beyond an hour along parts of the Kola Highway.
Refinery disruptions linked to Ukrainian drone strikes have cut fuel shipments into northwest Russia, while Murmansk fuel retailer Maxim Belov said suppliers have failed to meet demand for about a week.
The squeeze is pushing prices higher: AI-92 in Segezha has reached 83 roubles a litre, and official data showed early-June petrol price gains running about three times May's pace.
Shortages have spread beyond independent stations to villages such as Essoila, which reportedly ran out of petrol entirely, and similar 20-50 litre rationing has appeared in Arkhangelsk region.
Karelia's authorities still call the problem temporary supply-chain disruption and stronger holiday demand, but they have set up a task force and wider working group as the crisis broadens.
As a Russian fuel crisis meets a global oil shock, how close is the world to an economic breaking point?
With its refineries crippled by drones, can Russia's status as an energy superpower survive its own war?
Forced to choose between its army and its citizens, who will the Kremlin decide to leave without fuel?
Widespread Fuel Rationing Hits Russia and Occupied Territories in 2026 as Ukrainian Drone Attacks Slash Refining Capacity
Overview
In June 2026, Russia and its occupied territories are facing widespread fuel rationing due to a sharp drop in domestic fuel production. This crisis began when Ukraine intensified its drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and terminals, forcing many facilities to halt or reduce operations. As a result, about a quarter of Russia’s refining capacity and over 30% of its gasoline output have been affected. The reduced fuel supply is now causing serious challenges for both consumers and industries, highlighting how Ukraine’s targeted strikes have created significant disruptions across Russia’s economy and daily life.