Russian fuel crisis deepens as drone attacks hit oil refineries
Another region in Russia is now facing a gasoline shortage after Ukrainian drone attacks have shut down four major refineries, crippling approximately 13% of the country's oil processing capacity.
Fuel shortages have now also hit the Kuril Islands, part of the Sakhalin region, following deficits in Crimea, Transbaikal, and Primorye. Starting on Wednesday, August 20, restrictions on gasoline sales were introduced in the Kurilsky district, limiting purchases to no more than 10 litres per person, according to the Kurilsky municipal district administration. The information was reported by both The Moscow Times and The Economist.
Gasoline will be prioritised for special and emergency services, as well as businesses and organisations essential for the "vital functioning of the district." "We are counting on your understanding and patience," the administration's press service said.
The shortages could persist until at least August 24, when a delivery of 19.4 tonnes of AI-92 and 19.6 tonnes of AI-95 is expected to arrive on Iturup Island. The administration assured that the ship, the "Anatoliy Ivanov," would depart for the island in the coming days.
Since the start of August, drone attacks in Russia have shut down refineries in Syzran, Novokuibyshevsk, Saratov, and Volgograd. The capacity of Rosneft’s Ryazan refinery, which supplies fuel to Moscow and the surrounding region, has also been halved. Drone attacks have also targeted the Slavyansk, Afipsky, and Novoshakhtinsk refineries.
While last year's refineries could be repaired quickly, the expert believes they could now be out of commission for a long time or even permanently.
The growing fuel deficit is driving up prices: AI-92 has become 40% more expensive on the wholesale market since the start of the year, while AI-95 has gone up by 50%. On Wednesday, August 20, the exchange prices for both types reached record highs: 72,514 rubles per tonne and 82,253 rubles per tonne, respectively.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
