Drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused a sharp drop in oil refining and a fuel crisis
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries have led to a massive reduction in oil processing volumes and a deepening of the fuel crisis in Russia.
According to analysts, Ukrainian drones struck Russian refineries 16 times in May, eight of which are among the country’s ten largest.
As a result, the industry is said to have been set back by approximately two decades in terms of operational efficiency and stability.
In the first week of June, oil refining volumes in Russia fell below 4 million barrels per day, the lowest figure in the past 21 years.
According to estimates, approximately 2.14 million barrels per day are currently idle, or nearly one-third of Russian refinery capacity.
Energy Intelligence experts note that the campaign of strikes against Russia’s energy infrastructure has caused significant damage, and the country may face one of the most serious fuel crises in its history.
“Ukraine’s campaign against the Russian energy sector, particularly oil refineries, has caused massive damage, and as a result, Russia appears to be heading toward what could be the worst fuel crisis in its history this summer,” the analysts’ assessment states.
According to reports, fuel shortages have already been recorded in more than 25 regions of Russia. A number of cities with populations exceeding one million have begun imposing restrictions on gasoline sales.
Problems have also arisen in the agricultural sector, where farmers are reporting disruptions in diesel fuel supplies in southern Russia.
In addition, the aviation industry is facing a fuel shortage: as early as late May, problems were reported at airports in major cities, and in June, restrictions were imposed on refueling passenger aircraft.
Against the backdrop of reduced supply, fuel prices are rising rapidly: since the beginning of the year, gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel have risen in price by 28–43% on the exchange market.
It is also noted that the price increase at gas stations has been the largest since 2018, when gasoline prices saw a sharp monthly jump of more than 5%.
This is reported by The Moscow Times, citing analysis from Energy Intelligence.
On the morning of June 16, 2026, drones attacked Moscow’s largest oil refinery in the Kapotnya district, resulting in a massive fire on the facility’s grounds.
Oil refinery on fire in Moscow after attack — CPD
According to Kovalenko, the ELOU AVT-6—a primary oil refining unit on which the plant’s operational capacity depends—is on fire at the Moscow Oil Refinery.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the key port of Kavkaz in the Kerch Strait
As a reminder, Russia attacked the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, causing a fire.
Prior to this, Russian KABs struck the Zaporizhzhia region, resulting in injuries.
Five State Emergency Service rescuers were killed as a result of the Russian attack on Kharkiv.
