Drone Hits on Russian Refineries Cut Fuel Output, Sparking Long Queues and Price Hikes in Russia

Drone strikes on Russian refineries have slashed domestic fuel production, triggering kilometer-long queues at gas stations, surging prices, and a reliance on imports, according to reports from Moscow. August has proven a devastating month for Russia, with the economic crisis accelerated by Ukrainian attacks on refineries and energy hubs. A series of successful strikes on major refining facilities in European Russia has forced the temporary shutdown of several conversion and distillation units.

With a significant share of national refining capacity offline or running at reduced levels, the domestic market now faces a supply shortfall. To avoid completely draining strategic reserves, Russian authorities have increased purchases of refined fuels from abroad — with Belarus serving as the main supplier — and temporarily suspended export limits or reorganized outbound flows to prioritize domestic consumption. Despite these measures, lines at fuel pumps stretch for kilometers, and price lists have spiked as the country grapples with the fallout of the attacks.