A widespread fuel shortage is affecting more than one-third of Russia’s population, as Ukrainian drone strikes on the country’s energy infrastructure continue to disrupt operations at key refineries. The attacks, which have intensified since May, have significantly reduced Russia’s refining capacity, prompting rationing measures and long queues at petrol stations nationwide.

In many regions, motorists are facing wait times stretching from hours to several days. Reports of confrontations and scuffles at fuel stations have become increasingly common, with some local authorities introducing odd-even license plate restrictions to manage demand. In southern Russia, Cossacks in traditional fur hats have been deployed to maintain order, while in Siberia, officials have arranged hot meals for those waiting in line. Additionally, social media platforms have seen individuals offering to sell spots in queues.

President Vladimir Putin addressed the issue publicly on Sunday, acknowledging the existence of “some shortages” but downplaying their severity. Despite his reassurances, the crisis has deepened, with nearly 50 out of Russia’s 85 regions imposing restrictions on fuel sales as of late June. Three regions have escalated their response to a “high alert” status, just ahead of declaring states of emergency.

The disruptions stem from repeated Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russia’s ten largest refineries. Among the damaged facilities is the Omsk refinery in southwestern Siberia, approximately 2,500 kilometers from the frontline. Omsk accounts for about 7 percent of the country’s refining capacity. A senior Russian energy official described the attacks as increasingly coordinated and numerous, overwhelming existing defenses likened to a “medieval cavalry wedge.”

Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, was the first region to experience significant shortages and remains under a state of emergency with rationed fuel distributed via electronic coupons. The ongoing damage to refining infrastructure has led analysts to estimate that Russia has lost between 20 and 40 percent of its refining capabilities since the start of the intensified attacks.

According to data analyzed by experts at the Kyiv School of Economics, Russia refined an average of 4.1 million barrels per day in June, marking a 28 percent decline from the five-year average and a 35 percent drop from full nominal capacity. Senior analysts caution that while the shortages are readily felt by consumers, the broader economic impact—including disruptions to goods transport and public services—has yet to fully materialize.

However, early signs of wider effects are appearing. In Chita, a Siberian city, local waste collection services were suspended due to fuel scarcity. Several small airlines and taxi organizations have warned that rising fuel prices could lead to increased costs for consumers. Meanwhile, Wildberries, the country’s largest online marketplace, cited high fuel prices as a factor in raising commission fees for sellers.

Officials face limited options to address the crisis, as Russia historically consumes nearly all the petrol it produces and maintains minimal storage reserves. Most oil extraction sites are situated in central and western parts of the country, regions now vulnerable to drone strikes. In response, refineries have been permitted to supply lower-grade fuel for domestic use, and the government has promised an increase in imports of refined oil products.

Notably, Russia imported a record 141,000 tonnes of petrol from Belarus last month, a significant rise from previous levels but still modest compared to overall consumption. Additionally, Moscow recently banned diesel exports—the main fuel used by military and some industrial operations—to bolster domestic availability. However, since most private vehicles run on petrol, this measure will have a limited impact on the general population’s fuel supply.