As social media platforms were flooded with videos over the weekend depicting long queues at gas stations in Russia and altercations among frustrated drivers in parking lots, President Vladimir Putin sought to allay concerns on Sunday and discourage panic-buying by assuring that the shortages caused by Ukrainian strikes were not critical.
However, the actions taken by the Russian government indicate the severity of the situation. They have already imposed a ban on the export of gasoline and jet fuel, and the Kremlin confirmed on Tuesday that they are considering the importation of oil products from other countries.
“If agreements can be reached at acceptable price points, then [imports] will move forward,” stated Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, during a call with journalists.
“This will be another step toward stabilizing the market.”
The decision by Russia, the world’s third-largest oil exporter in 2025, to explore importing refined products from abroad, a rare move for the country, highlights the impact of Ukraine’s sustained strikes on Russia’s refining capacity.
Ukraine’s Impact on Russia
In the last three months, Ukraine has launched numerous attacks on Russian refineries, including multiple strikes on a facility near Moscow that resulted in explosions resonating through the capital and a thick cloud of smoke engulfing the sky.
The International Energy Agency described the level of disruption as “unprecedented” in the history of the conflict, noting that Russia’s oil production in May fell 10 per cent below its monthly target. Industry sources also disclosed to Reuters that the country’s gasoline production has decreased by approximately 25 per cent compared to the daily average in June of the previous year.
Ukraine’s recent assaults on Russia’s energy installations have sparked an unexpected crisis in the oil-producing nation: fuel shortages. Some areas have enforced gasoline restrictions, prices have soared, and reports suggest Russia may commence fuel imports.</