Gasoline Shortages Hit 57 Russian Regions After Ukrainian Drone Strikes

Over half of Russia's regions, at least 57, are experiencing a severe fuel crisis largely due to intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries, which have significantly disrupted gasoline supplies and led to price increases. Since early 2025, Ukrainian forces have targeted 21 of Russia's 38 largest refineries, causing some to partially or fully shut down and forcing Russia to ban fuel exports. The crisis has particularly hit eastern and occupied regions like Transbaikalia, Primorye, Sakhalin, and Crimea, where fuel rationing is now in place. Russian authorities acknowledge supply constraints but assure that gasoline availability will soon stabilize, with efforts to increase imports from Belarus and China underway. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described these refinery attacks as highly effective sanctions that restrict Russia's oil industry and war capabilities. The United States has been reported to assist Ukraine in carrying out these strikes, further intensifying the fuel supply challenges faced by Russia.