Fuel rationing has reached 61 of Russia’s 89 regions, covering roughly two-thirds of the country, as of 23 June. The restrictions—ranging from 20-litre caps per vehicle to a complete halt of commercial sales in Crimea—follow a 25 percent drop in weekly gasoline output compared with the same period last year, according to industry data seen by Reuters. The government is now weighing a full ban on diesel exports, adding to existing prohibitions on gasoline and jet fuel shipments.

The production collapse is primarily attributed to a sustained Ukrainian drone campaign against Russian refineries. Key facilities in central Russia, accounting for about a quarter of the country’s processing capacity, have been damaged or forced into unscheduled repairs. The attacks have disrupted supply chains, particularly in border regions and Crimea, where logistics routes have been further strained by strikes on fuel trucks. Marine exports of oil products fell 15 percent in the first half of June, reflecting operational disruptions at refineries.

Regional authorities have introduced varying limits: in Belgorod, a 30-litre cap on gasoline and 60 litres on diesel; in Tyumen, 40 litres of gasoline and 80 litres of diesel per vehicle; in Crimea, sales are suspended for all but state services. Independent filling stations, which rely on wholesale markets, have been hit hardest, with prices in Primorsky Krai reportedly reaching 130 roubles per litre. Vice-Premier Alexander Novak described the situation as “difficult but controllable,” announcing that refineries are running at maximum capacity, planned maintenance has been postponed, and previously unused reserves are being tapped. Rosneft chief Igor Sechin has proposed suspending exchange trading norms and prioritising end consumers to curb speculation.

The government is preparing tax-code amendments to incentivise domestic supply and is considering subsidising fuel imports from China, South Korea, and Belarus. A decision on the diesel export ban is expected shortly. The energy ministry’s crisis headquarters continues to monitor the situation, while the anti-monopoly service investigates potential market manipulation. The trajectory of the crisis will depend heavily on the frequency and success of further drone attacks on refining infrastructure.