Fuel shortages disrupt drivers across much of Russia

Fuel shortages are affecting drivers across much of Russia as Ukrainian strikes on Russian depots put pressure on fuel supplies. In Vologda, about 480 kilometres north of Moscow, residents Yelena and Dmitry passed four petrol stations before finding one with fuel while returning to the city.

The shortages have reached most Russian regions. Since June, more than 90 percent of Russian regions have had fuel rationing or shortages, according to an AFP tally based on media reports and official statements. Some stations in Vologda were closed, while others, mostly those owned by major Russian oil companies, had long queues.

The Kremlin has said the situation is not critical. President Vladimir Putin has accused Ukraine of trying to damage Russia's economy and create anxiety in Russian society, while saying Russia's energy network has a strong safety margin. Moscow has banned exports of some petrol and aviation fuel grades and later extended the ban to diesel exports. Fuel rationing has also been introduced.

Some drivers and AFP observations indicated that the measures have started to ease queues in Moscow and some other places. In Vologda, a driver named Nikolai said more stations had reopened and deliveries had become more frequent. Vologda regional authorities did not respond to a request for comment.

The shortages show the effect of Ukrainian strikes on Russia's oil sector. Energy Intelligence, a US-based energy research firm, estimated in a report published in early July that nearly half of Russia's 6.6 million barrels per day of refining capacity had been knocked offline since late February, after Ukraine increased strikes on energy infrastructure.

Ukraine presents its strikes on Russian energy sites as a response to Moscow's deadly attacks on Ukrainian cities and as an effort to reduce revenue used by Russia to fund the war. Vologda is about 1,000 kilometres from Ukraine but is still feeling the effects of the conflict that began when Moscow launched its offensive in February 2022. Some drivers in Vologda blamed the West and repeated the Kremlin's view that Russia is defending itself.