Russian motorists are facing petrol shortages and filling station closures following Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure in early July [1].

The crisis threatens domestic mobility and logistics within Russia, signaling a shift in the impact of the conflict from military targets to critical civilian infrastructure [2].

Shortages have been reported across 83 Russian regions [1]. In cities such as Saint Petersburg and Novorossiysk, drivers have encountered empty pumps and closed stations [1, 3]. The disruptions follow weeks of intensified Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting oil refineries and fuel depots [1, 2].

In Novorossiysk, authorities suspended gasoline sales to private drivers on July 3 [3]. This measure was implemented as the fuel crisis intensified in the Black Sea region [3].

Reports on the atmosphere at these stations vary. Some accounts describe brawls among motorists, while other reports said that Cossacks and volunteers have helped keep order at petrol stations in Black Sea resorts [3].

The Ukrainian campaign against Russian energy assets aims to degrade the logistics and financial capabilities of the Russian state [2]. By targeting the refining process, the strikes have created a bottleneck in the distribution of finished gasoline to the general public [1].

Government officials have not provided a definitive timeline for the restoration of full fuel services across the affected regions [1].

“Nearly all of Russia’s 83 regions are experiencing gasoline shortages”

The widespread nature of these shortages suggests that Ukrainian strikes have successfully bypassed some of Russia's air defenses to hit high-value economic targets. By disrupting the fuel supply chain across dozens of regions, the strategy moves beyond tactical military gains to create systemic domestic pressure on the Russian government and its civilian population.