Increase in fuel prices in Russia due to attacks by Ukrainian drones

• Fuel shortages in Russia due to attacks by Ukrainian drones.
• Gasoline prices have reached record highs in some regions.
• The fuel crisis is expected to peak by the end of September.

In some regions of Russia, a fuel shortage has been recorded following attacks on Ukrainian oil refineries and other oil and gas infrastructure in recent weeks. Drivers are forced to wait in long lines, while officials are issuing permits for the sale of fuel or temporarily banning fuel sales.

Wholesale prices for A-95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg international commodity exchange have reached record highs, increasing by approximately 50% compared to January. This has occurred against a backdrop of increased demand from farmers who are trying to stockpile harvests, and Russians who have been on vacation in recent weeks.

In line with the reports, the fuel shortage has affected several regions of the Far East and Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014. In the Primorye region, reports indicate long queues at gas stations and prices close to 78 rubles per liter (approximately $3.58 per gallon). Some gas stations have started selling fuel online at prices up to 220 rubles per liter (about $10.12 per gallon).

In the Kuril Islands region, due to a shortage of A-92 gasoline, operators have been forced to suspend fuel sales. In Crimea, some companies have been selling fuel only to owners of coupons or special cards.

This year, the increase in fuel prices has been registered due to attacks by Ukraine on oil refineries. The attacks, which took place between September 2 and 24, were concentrated along the route of factories from Ryazan to Volgograd, where there is a high demand for fuel.

The attacks have caused significant damage to many oil refining plants, but have not destroyed their entirety. As a result, fuel production fell by 8.6% in the first 19 days of September compared to the previous year.

Despite the problems, Moscow has so far not experienced serious difficulties with fuel supply, as the region is well supplied by large oil refining plants. However, the situation may worsen if drone attacks continue.

The fuel crisis is expected to peak by the end of September, when demand is expected to decrease, and annual technical maintenance of the plants will be completed.

Tags: Russia/Energy