Fuel Shortage in Russia Expands to Moscow and 30 Regions — Rationing Introduced Following Strikes on Ukrainian Refineries

As of June 17, 2026, Ukraine's ongoing assault on Russian oil refineries has led to a widespread fuel shortage across Russia, resulting in purchase restrictions at gas stations in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tatarstan, Crimea, and over 30 other regions. Tatneft, the fifth-largest oil company in Russia, was the pioneer in enforcing nationwide purchase limits, capping gasoline at 20 liters and diesel at 40 liters per vehicle. In Novaya Moskva, additional restrictions were set at 60 liters of gasoline per customer. The volume of oil refined in Russia has dropped to its lowest point since the 2009 economic downturn. The frequency of Ukrainian refinery strikes has surged in 2026, with May marking a record of 16 attacks in a single month. The Russian energy ministry has attempted to assure farmers that sufficient fuel will be accessible for the summer harvest, highlighting the gravity of the situation. Zelensky has labeled the refinery strikes as 'long-range sanctions' on Russia.