Ukrainian Drone Strikes: How Oil Refineries in Russia Are Facing Critical Shortages

This summer, Russian drivers are facing fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices. It’s a familiar pattern, as gas prices typically rise during this time due to increased demand from farmers harvesting crops and families heading out on vacation. However, this year’s crisis has deeper roots connected to the ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Russian oil refineries, leading to significant disruptions. Some gas stations in regions like Crimea and the Far East have run out of fuel, with reports of long lines and customers waiting in vain. In the Primorye region near North Korea, gas prices soared to around 78 rubles per liter (about $3.58 per gallon), while some individuals have attempted to sell gas online for as much as 220 rubles per liter (approximately $10.12 per gallon).

These fuel shortages have been exacerbated by Ukraine’s focused drone strikes on key refinery regions, especially between Ryazan and Volgograd. Sergey Vakulenko from the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center explained that these attacks have been unusually effective, leading to a drop in crude oil intake by approximately 200,000 to 250,000 barrels per day. This reduction has hurt gasoline production, which fell by 8.6% in early August compared to last year.

Gary Peach, an oil markets analyst at Energy Intelligence, added that while the refineries have not been completely destroyed, their operations have been significantly affected, especially during peak summer demand. The overall impact on the Russian fuel supply is mixed. In major cities like Moscow, supplies remain stable thanks to close proximity to more robust refineries.

Interestingly, the military and public transport, primarily reliant on diesel, are less affected. Russia produces more diesel than needed, providing a buffer against total disruption. However, experts caution that damage to key refinery components could complicate repairs, especially if foreign parts are required.

As the summer season winds down, gasoline demand is expected to decrease, and some industry insiders believe the situation may start to improve by late September. Yet, the episode highlights vulnerabilities in Russia’s energy infrastructure, raising questions about the long-term consequences of the conflict and the effectiveness of Ukraine’s drone warfare strategy.

Overall, the current gasoline crisis serves as a stark reminder of how geopolitical tensions can ripple through everyday life, affecting fuel prices and availability for the average consumer. As the situation evolves, both sides will be watching closely for further developments.

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Production facilities, Russia, Drones, Energy industry, General news, AP Top News, Agriculture, St. Petersburg, World news, Business, Retail and wholesale, Ukraine, Gary Peach, Ukraine government