Severe gasoline shortages across the Russian Federation, driven by a sustained campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes on domestic oil refineries, have forced motorists to rapidly convert their vehicles to run on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The targeted destruction of major refining infrastructure has critically choked local crude supplies, leaving filling stations empty across Moscow and regional centers.
The supply collapse pushed domestic gasoline prices to record highs, occasionally surpassing retail costs in the United States and Western Europe. The deficit directly impacts approximately 50 million citizens, creating severe daily logistical disruptions. In extreme cases, drivers in the eastern city of Chita have reported waiting up to 36 hours in line to refuel.
What We Know
- A July 6 attack struck the Omsk refinery, located 1,550 miles from the border, further degrading national production capabilities.
- The Russian government signed a decree allowing refineries to temporarily lower production quality standards from Euro-5 to Euro-3 gasoline through the end of the year.
- Roughly 35% of the national population is currently affected by the intermittent fuel availability.
Local authorities are resorting to drastic distribution controls to manage the remaining inventory. At least six regional governments, including Oryol, Nizhny Novgorod, Mordovia, and Astrakhan, have officially implemented strict odd-even rationing systems based on vehicle license plate numbers.
The administrative rollout of these restrictions aims to cut queue lengths and prevent hoarding. The Kirov Region was among the first to introduce a license-plate service system after local stations were completely drained of high-octane fuel. With no immediate timeline for refinery repairs, conversion shops across the country report a surge in drivers installing LPG tanks just to maintain basic mobility.