Russia Caps Fuel Sales in 53 Regions After Drone Strikes Cut Refining 13%
Updated
Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 17
Russia Caps Fuel Sales in 53 Regions After Drone Strikes Cut Refining 13%
3 articles · Updated · Ukrainska Pravda · Jun 17
Summary
53 Russian regions and occupied parts of Ukraine now face fuel-sale curbs, with motorists in 18 regions limited to 50 litres or one full tank.
Sustained Ukrainian strikes on refineries drove the shortages: Russia's refining output in May fell 13% year on year, or about 700,000 barrels a day, the steepest drop since the full-scale war began.
Recent hits deepened the disruption after attacks on Tatarstan's Taneco refinery and Moscow's Kapotnya plant, which supplies up to 40% of the capital's petrol; both halted or cut operations.
Rosneft, Bashneft and Tyumen Oil Company have also banned petrol sales in jerrycans nationwide, while 11 more regions reportedly face severe shortages without formal limits yet.
Crude exports still held up in May, suggesting Russia is prioritizing export revenue over domestic refining as Ukraine expands pressure on the energy sector.
On June 16, 2026, Ukrainian forces launched a sophisticated drone strike on Gazprom Neft’s Moscow oil refinery, penetrating multiple layers of Russian air defenses and bypassing advanced protection systems. The attack caused intense fires and thick smoke, marking a major blow to Russia’s energy infrastructure. This strike severely disrupted fuel supply chains and worsened existing shortages, pushing Russia closer to widespread fuel rationing. The incident highlights Ukraine’s growing ability to target critical Russian assets, exposing vulnerabilities in Russia’s defenses and deepening the country’s ongoing fuel crisis.