Moscow Fuel Shortages Intensify as Drone Strikes Cripple Refineries

Gazprom Neft and Tatneft have confirmed that petrol sales at Moscow stations are now restricted, with some automated sites limiting customers to 40 litres of fuel. At other locations, gasoline is capped at 60 litres per vehicle, while Rosneft has imposed a nationwide limit of 30 litres for gasoline purchases. These energy giants have warned residents to anticipate prolonged wait times as demand outpaces supply at the pump.

Industry officials attribute the disruptions to unscheduled maintenance, a term used to describe the fallout from persistent Ukrainian drone strikes. The reach of these operations was highlighted on Wednesday when a refinery in the republic of Bashkortostan—situated far from the border—was struck. Regional head Radiy Khabirov confirmed the hit, noting that falling debris caused pipe damage, though he maintained that repairs would be completed within days. This marks the second significant fuel shortage crisis to hit Russia, prompting the Kremlin to pledge increased deliveries to the most affected regions.