Russia to Import Gasoline Amid Severe Fuel Shortages Triggered by Drone Strikes

Russia Turns to Imports Amid Deepening Fuel Crisis

The Russian Federation is preparing to commence gasoline imports to address a severe domestic fuel shortage, a situation largely attributed to a sustained campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes targeting its oil refineries. In response to 'declining production volumes,' the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC), an intergovernmental body comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, has announced the removal of import duties on gasoline, diesel, marine fuel, and jet fuel. This measure will remain in effect until June 30, 2026.

Escalating Shortages and Economic Impact

The Russian fuel market is currently facing a significant deficit, reportedly missing around 20% of its monthly gasoline consumption, which amounts to approximately 400,000 tons out of the 2 million tons required. Sources have described the situation as 'critical,' with gasoline output experiencing a 1 million-ton reduction in September alone. This scarcity has led to substantial economic repercussions, including a surge in wholesale gasoline prices by more than 40% since the beginning of the year, and retail prices climbing at an annual rate of 11-12%.

The impact on consumers has been tangible, particularly in regions such as temporarily annexed Crimea, where strict retail limits of 30 liters per person were implemented starting September 29, alongside fixed fuel prices. Shortages have been reported across more than 20 regions of Russia, including the Far East, Crimea, Kirov, Nizhny Novgorod, and Kostroma, with independent gas stations being particularly affected, some even closing their operations.

Refining Capacity Crippled by Drone Attacks

The primary catalyst for the fuel crisis is the extensive damage inflicted upon Russian oil refining infrastructure by Ukrainian drone strikes. By late September, nearly 38% of Russia's oil refining capacity, equating to approximately 338,000 tons of crude per day, was offline. Since August 2025, at least 16 of Russia's 38 oil refineries have reportedly sustained damage, leading to an estimated 17-20% reduction in overall production.

Specific facilities targeted include the Kirishi 'Kinef' plant in the Leningrad region (Russia's second-largest refinery), Rosneft's Ryazan refinery, the Novokuibyshevsk refinery, and Gazprom's Astrakhan gas processing plant. Other affected sites include Lukoil's Volgograd Refinery and Rosneft's Tuapse Refinery. These attacks have caused unprecedented downtime at refineries, with gasoline and diesel output plunging by 6% in August and an additional 18% in September.

Government Measures and Future Outlook

The decision by the EEC to eliminate import duties on fuel, announced by Andrei Slepnev, the Minister of Trade for the EEC, is a direct response to these production declines. The resolution is set to take effect 10 days after its official publication.

Prior to this, Russia had already implemented measures to stabilize its domestic fuel market, including extending a ban on gasoline exports until the end of 2025 and introducing restrictions on diesel exports for resellers. These actions underscore the Kremlin's efforts to prioritize internal stability amidst the ongoing challenges to its energy sector.