Authorities in Russia's Tula Region Explained the Fuel Shortage
In Russia’s Tula Region, fuel shortages and lines have been reported at some chain gas stations. Local authorities stated that the disruptions are allegedly linked to the reorganization of logistics routes and increased demand; however, industry data points to a decline in gasoline production due to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.
The Tula Region government reported problems with fuel availability at some gas stations in the region. According to officials, most gas stations are operating normally, and the average price of gasoline is about 72 rubles per liter.
At the same time, according to local authorities, the price of fuel at private gas stations reaches about 100 rubles per liter. There are reportedly no lines there, but some of these stations have ceased operations.
Russian authorities attribute the situation to logistical difficulties, but they cite systematic strikes by Ukrainian drones on Russian oil industry facilities as one of the key causes of the shortage.
Due to the shutdown of a number of large Russian refineries, including the Moscow Oil Refinery and the TANECO plant in Tatarstan, automotive gasoline production in Russia has fallen by approximately 25% compared to March.
Industry sources cited by the agency estimate current production at approximately 85,000 metric tons of gasoline per day—which is nearly 23% less than domestic consumption.
Russia is attempting to partially offset the fuel shortage with imports from Belarus, which amount to about 100,000–150,000 metric tons per month, as well as by sea.
On the night of June 20, the Ukrainian Defense Forces struck a number of Russian military targets. Among the targets was a bridge near Henichesk, which the occupiers use to transport equipment and resupply their troops between occupied Crimea and the southern front.
In Taganrog, Russia, a power substation that supplied electricity to the “Atlant-Aero” defense enterprise was damaged. As a result, production lines involved in the manufacture of drones were disrupted.
