Drone attacks on oil refineries lead to gas shortages in Russia

A wave of drone strikes on oil refineries in the Russian interior has led to a run on gasoline.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.

According to the publication, diesel prices for consumers have risen sharply in Russia. Compared to previous figures, they have increased by almost 10 percent in the last week alone.

Gasoline prices have also reached a six-month high, up more than 20 percent since the beginning of the year. This is due to the fact that the constant attacks on refineries are reducing fuel supplies as more and more companies are forced to suspend production.

For Russia, the attacks on refineries are critically damaging, as the amount of fuel has decreased not only for civilian consumers but also for military equipment.

It is worth noting that in 2023, Russia was forced to impose a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel due to a shortage in the domestic market. However, on the international market, Russian fuel was more expensive than inside the aggressor country. Therefore, intermediaries sold gasoline abroad on the black market.

The situation with oil refineries will force Russia to choose between filling its budget with gasoline and thus sponsoring the war in Ukraine, or providing fuel to its military and civilians.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 01/05/2024