After Ukrainian drone strikes that led to the shutdown of major oil refineries, gasoline production in Russia fell to a level equivalent to only about 65% of average seasonal consumption, citing calculations from two industry sources and its own calculations, Reuters reports, writes UNN.
Details
Ukraine has intensified its campaign of strikes on energy facilities, including refineries, in an attempt to undermine Moscow's war efforts.
Amid fuel shortages and queues of drivers wanting to refuel their cars, the "Cossacks," who in recent years have been used as police support, are helping maintain public order at some gas stations.
The damage has led to the shutdown of many refineries, including NORSI and Omsk, two of the largest gasoline producers in Russia. Another major gasoline producer, the Saratov Refinery, was also forced to halt production, industry sources said.
Russian government acknowledged a fuel shortage after strikes on refineries10.07.26, 15:11
Sources said that gasoline production at this time of year, when summer weather increases fuel demand, lags behind the required volume by 40,000–45,000 metric tons per day, or about 35%
In June, the daily deficit was reportedly 25%.
According to sources, daily gasoline demand in Russia at the peak of summer consumption is about 115,000-120,000 tons.
Russia's Energy Ministry did not respond to a request for comment from the publication.
Proposals from the Russian government to combat the fuel deficit include a ban on the export of diesel fuel, gasoline, and aviation fuel.
Russia has also begun importing fuel. In June, supplies of gasoline and diesel fuel from Belarus to Russia reportedly reached a monthly record, and industry sources last week said Russia had started maritime supplies from India.
Traders said that up to 6,000 tons of gasoline are supplied daily from neighboring Belarus to Russia. Reserves are also being used.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said at a televised government meeting on Wednesday that the fuel situation remains difficult and that "it is obvious that the current situation at gas stations is causing concern among the population."
In a number of Russian regions, long queues have formed at some gas stations. In the Black Sea resort town of Anapa, "Cossacks" are helping maintain order.
Industry sources believe that "the situation on the fuel market should improve in the second half of July - if no new attacks on refineries occur - as plants resume operations and fuel imports increase."
Recall
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia has lost its territorial advantage - the deep rear. The Head of State made this statement after Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery in Siberia. This refers to the Omsk Refinery, located about 2,500 km in a straight line from the Ukrainian border.
The chief designer of Fire Point, Denys Shtilerman, said that during the attack on the Omsk Refinery, a new modification of the Ukrainian long-range drone FP-1 was used. This refinery became the farthest target deep inside Russia to be hit by drones launched from Ukraine.
Currently, there is not a single major refinery left on the territory of Russia that has not been struck by Ukrainian attack UAVs.