Russia is experiencing a significant gasoline shortage, leading to strict fuel rationing measures across major cities including Moscow and St. Petersburg. The shortage stems from a series of attacks on Russian oil refineries, severely disrupting domestic fuel production and distribution networks.
Fuel retailers, particularly the large network operated by Tatneft, have imposed tight limits on fuel sales to customers. In Moscow, Tatneft stations now restrict gasoline sales to 20 liters per vehicle for AI-92 and AI-95 types, while diesel is capped at 40 liters. These restrictions are not limited to the capital but have been applied nationwide wherever Tatneft operates. Other major suppliers have also enforced limits: Rosneft allows a maximum of 90 liters per vehicle or container, and Lukoil restricts sales to 100 liters per receipt.
The rationing measures are a direct response to sustained drone attacks launched by Ukrainian forces targeting Russia’s oil refining infrastructure. In May alone, there were sixteen strikes on refineries and an additional ten on pipelines, storage facilities, and export terminals. These attacks forced at least six refineries to halt operations completely, causing a sharp drop in fuel availability across the country.
Authorities initially limited fuel rationing to Russia-occupied territories such as Crimea and Donetsk, capping AI-95 gasoline sales at 20 liters per person. However, by early June, the crisis had spread to Moscow’s surrounding areas, where gas stations began limiting sales to 60 liters per vehicle. Regional officials have attempted to reassure the public that there is no permanent fuel shortage but acknowledge that rationing is necessary to maintain supply stability during this period of disruption.
The Russian government has responded with protectionist policies to safeguard domestic fuel supplies. A ban on jet fuel exports was enacted starting June 1 and will last until the end of November, alongside an extension of gasoline export restrictions through July. Despite rising global crude prices driven by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, Russia’s ability to capitalize on exports is hindered by damaged internal transport lines and continued attacks on critical pumping stations.
As a result of these combined factors, long queues have formed at gas stations in Moscow and other urban centers. The ongoing refinery damage and transport disruptions threaten to prolong the shortage, putting pressure on consumers and businesses alike. Officials stress that these temporary measures aim to prevent panic buying and ensure equitable fuel distribution during a challenging period for Russia’s energy sector.
