Putin acknowledges fuel shortages as Ukrainian drone strikes cripple Russian refineries
Russian president Vladimir Putin publicly admitted on Sunday that fuel shortages have led to queues at petrol stations across many regions, blaming Ukrainian drone attacks on oil infrastructure for the crisis.
Putin's rare admission
During a meeting with top officials and oil executives in Moscow, Vladimir Putin acknowledged the fuel shortages affecting both drivers and businesses. He said queues persist at petrol stations and called for systemic solutions. The president was quoted saying:
As you well know, problems persist for drivers and businesses... unfortunately, queues remain at petrol stations.
Drone campaign hits refineries
Ukraine has escalated long-range drone attacks on Russian industrial targets in recent months. Precision strikes have hit refineries and oil terminals in Krasnodar, Yaroslavl, and even Moscow, severely reducing processing capacity. On Sunday, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported another attack on an oil refinery in Slavyansk-na-Kubani in Krasnodar region.
Military and civilian impact
The strikes have disrupted Russian army supply lines, slowing Moscow's military operations, according to analysts. Gasoline reserves have shrunk to 1.7 million tons, a decline from last year. Some regions (including occupied Crimea) have imposed rationing, limiting sales to a few litres per person. Authorities even allowed some refineries in mid-June to produce fuel with lower environmental standards for the domestic market.
Emergency response and export ban
Putin announced a special task force working around the clock to resolve supply problems and said a total ban on diesel exports is under consideration. Previously, deputy prime minister Alexander Novak had ruled out such a move, illustrating how quickly the situation worsened. A temporary full ban on exports of gasoline and jet fuel has already been imposed.
Farming sector at risk
With the peak agricultural season approaching, Putin stressed that fuel must be directed to farmers to ensure the harvest. He acknowledged the difficulties facing agricultural producers, who need diesel for machinery, and warned that crop yields depend on maintaining supply schedules.
