Russian authorities and fuel companies have imposed strict limits on gasoline sales to private motorists across 53 regions [1].
The rationing indicates a systemic failure in the Russian energy supply chain, impacting civilian mobility and logistics across more than half of the country's administrative divisions [4].
Fuel restrictions are currently in effect in 53 regions of the Russian Federation [1]. These limits also apply to all temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine, including Crimea [2].
Russian oil processing volumes have fallen to a 21-year minimum [3]. This decline in production has created a deficit that forces fuel stations to limit the amount of gasoline available to drivers.
The crisis is the result of several compounding factors. Ukrainian drone attacks on oil infrastructure have significantly reduced production capacity [5]. Simultaneously, the U.S. did not extend the suspension of sanctions on Russian oil products [6].
These combined pressures have left the domestic market unable to meet demand. The shortage has now spread to over 50 regions [4], marking a significant escalation in the domestic fuel crisis.
“Russian oil processing volumes have fallen to a 21-year minimum”
The intersection of physical infrastructure damage from drone strikes and the tightening of U.S. economic sanctions has created a critical bottleneck in Russia's fuel distribution. By forcing rationing in over 50 regions, the Russian government is attempting to manage a dwindling supply of refined petroleum, which may prioritize military needs over civilian transportation.
