Widespread fuel shortages in Russia trigger new sales restrictions

A fuel crisis that began in May after drone strikes disabled several Russian oil refineries has expanded to cover almost the entire country. The shortage, worsened by a seasonal surge in demand, forced at least ten regional administrations to reinstate limits on gasoline sales, although diesel supplies stayed mostly intact. Witnesses in the Moscow region reported empty gasoline pumps, while diesel was still being sold at most stations.

In reaction, officials prohibited gasoline and diesel exports, lowered product quality requirements and started importing fuel from abroad. By the end of July some areas saw restrictions lifted, but renewed drone attacks in late July and early August revived the scarcity, prompting a repeat of sales controls.