Ukraine Strikes Trigger Fuel Shortages Across Most of Russia

According to Lianhe Zaobao citing AFP, Ukraine’s recent stepped-up attacks on Russian oil facilities have left Russia facing fuel shortages in nearly all regions, with long queues at petrol stations becoming routine. AFP, citing Russian media reports and official statements, said more than 90% of Russia’s regions have introduced fuel rationing or are experiencing supply shortages since June. The article said the crisis is unprecedented in Russia’s history. Energy Intelligence estimated in an early July report that since late February, Ukraine’s attacks on Russian energy infrastructure have damaged nearly half of Russia’s 6.6 million barrels a day of refining capacity. In response, Moscow first banned exports of certain grades of gasoline and aviation fuel, then expanded the ban to diesel last week and imposed fuel rationing. Some of those measures have recently eased queues in Moscow and other regions.