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At least half a dozen regions have reported fuel supply disruptions, with officials imposing purchase limits at filling stations to prevent panic buying and ensure the available supplies are distributed among consumers.
The latest shortages follow intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure, with at least eight major refineries reportedly targeted over a two-week period.
The strikes have increased pressure on Russia’s refining industry, threatening its ability to maintain sufficient production of gasoline and diesel for domestic consumption.
In the latest incident, Ukrainian forces struck the Kirishi oil refinery in northwestern Russia overnight, regional governor Alexander Drozdenko said on Monday.
The facility is considered Russia’s second-largest oil refinery and plays an important role in the country’s petroleum processing industry.
The attack came amid an escalation in Ukrainian operations targeting Russian energy infrastructure, particularly facilities involved in refining and distributing petroleum products.
The renewed strikes followed the failure of a proposed energy ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv, which US President Donald Trump had sought to establish from October 30.
The deteriorating situation has raised concerns that repeated damage to refinery facilities could create further pressure on fuel availability, particularly in regions dependent on supplies from major oil companies.
In northwestern Russia, authorities in Karelia have introduced restrictions on fuel purchases at selected filling stations along highways.
Regional governor Artur Parfenchikov announced that motorists would be allowed to purchase a maximum of 30 litres of gasoline and 50 litres of diesel per transaction.
Sales of fuel in portable containers have also been suspended under the temporary measures.
Parfenchikov acknowledged that the restrictions could inconvenience residents and businesses, particularly companies whose operations depend heavily on road transport and logistics.
However, he said the measures were necessary under the current circumstances to prevent panic buying and maintain an orderly distribution system.
The governor said the immediate priority was to ensure that filling stations remained operational and that available fuel supplies were distributed evenly.
The restrictions were introduced at filling stations operated by Rosneft, Russia’s largest oil producer.
Regional authorities said they were working to restore normal supplies as quickly as possible, although no specific timeline was announced for lifting the restrictions.
Fuel shortages have also been reported in eastern Siberia, where authorities in Buryatia confirmed that Rosneft filling stations in the regional capital, Ulan-Ude, had introduced similar purchase limits.
The neighbouring Zabaykalsky region has also reported restrictions, indicating that the supply difficulties are affecting areas far from the western front of the conflict.
Additional curbs have been reported in Nizhny Novgorod, Arkhangelsk, Penza and Krasnoyarsk.
The spread of restrictions across geographically distant regions has highlighted the challenges facing Russia’s domestic fuel distribution network as refinery operations come under pressure.
Russia experienced similar disruptions earlier this year when Ukrainian drone attacks targeted several oil-processing facilities at a time of strong seasonal demand.
Those shortages forced the government to reintroduce restrictions on gasoline exports to preserve supplies for the domestic market.
In July, authorities also imposed restrictions on overseas diesel sales as concerns grew over the availability of refined petroleum products.
The latest wave of attacks could again force Moscow to prioritise domestic consumption over exports if refinery disruptions continue.
Such a move could affect Russia’s petroleum trade and complicate efforts to expand international sales of refined products.
The situation also presents potential challenges for President Vladimir Putin’s government as it attempts to balance domestic energy requirements with export revenues.
Russia remains a major producer and exporter of crude oil and petroleum products, but repeated attacks on refining facilities have exposed vulnerabilities in its ability to process crude oil and deliver finished fuels to consumers.
Gasoline and diesel shortages could have wider economic consequences, particularly for transport companies, agricultural businesses and industries that rely on uninterrupted fuel supplies.
Restrictions on purchases may also increase pressure on regional authorities to secure additional deliveries and prevent further disruptions.
Meanwhile, the continued targeting of Russian energy infrastructure illustrates Ukraine’s efforts to weaken Moscow’s economic and logistical capacity during the ongoing war.
With refinery facilities increasingly exposed to drone attacks, Russian authorities face the challenge of protecting critical infrastructure while maintaining stable fuel supplies across the country.
The duration and geographical spread of the latest restrictions will depend largely on the recovery of affected refining facilities, the availability of alternative supplies and the ability of authorities to prevent further disruptions.
For now, officials have described the measures as temporary, but the latest developments have renewed concerns about the resilience of Russia’s domestic fuel market.
