President Vladimir Putin has publicly acknowledged that Ukrainian drone strikes on energy infrastructure are causing fuel shortages across Russia, a rare admission that marks a shift in the Kremlin’s narrative. Queues have formed at petrol stations from Moscow to the annexed Crimean peninsula, where authorities declared a state of emergency. More than 30 regions have imposed limits on fuel sales, with some restricting purchases to as little as 15 litres per vehicle. The shortages, which began in southern regions, have now spread nationwide, disrupting the summer driving and agricultural seasons.

The immediate cause is a sustained Ukrainian campaign targeting refineries and oil depots deep inside Russian territory. Industry data cited by Reuters indicates that gasoline production has fallen by roughly 25% compared to the previous year. Russia, the world’s third-largest oil refiner, built its downstream capacity around export markets, leaving the domestic supply chain vulnerable when several large plants were forced to halt operations. The attack on a major refinery southeast of Moscow in mid-June, which reportedly will not resume operations this year, has been particularly disruptive for the capital region.

In response, the Kremlin has confirmed it is in talks with other countries to import petroleum products. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said contacts were underway but declined to name potential suppliers; Kazakhstan has been widely mentioned, though Astana says it has received no formal request. Simultaneously, the government is preparing to allow the production and sale of lower-grade Euro-2 and Euro-3 fuels, standards banned since 2013, to boost domestic supply. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak is managing the crisis “in manual mode,” with daily meetings and measures including a temporary reduction in mandatory exchange sales of gasoline and a ban on gasoline exports.

The fuel squeeze is compounding economic pressures and testing public patience. In some regions, taxi drivers are avoiding long trips, and farmers worry about harvest-time diesel supplies. Putin, while insisting the situation is “not critical,” has ordered steps to secure fuel for agriculture and hinted at a possible diesel export ban. Viewed from Western capitals, the crisis underscores the cumulative impact of Ukraine’s deep-strike strategy and may be influencing Moscow’s renewed, if conditional, talk of peace negotiations.

The next concrete milestone will be whether Russia finalises any import agreements or formally adopts the lower fuel standards, decisions that could temporarily ease shortages but risk long-term damage to vehicle engines and air quality. The government’s ability to stabilise the market before the September harvest and potential election period will be closely watched.