---
title: "Fuel Collapse: How Strikes on Refineries Deprived 50 Million Russians of Gasoline"
description: "Ukrainian strikes on refineries have dealt a crushing blow to the Russian economy: the country has lost up to 40% of its capacity, and 50 million Russians are facing an acute fuel crisis. 🛢️🚫 A state of emergency has been declared in Crimea, while Putin, acknowledging the problems, attempts to redirect supplies from Belarus. ⛽📉"
date: 2026-07-09T16:58:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/fuel-collapse-how-strikes-on-refineries-deprived-50-million-russians-of-gasoline
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Fuel Collapse: How Strikes on Refineries Deprived 50 Million Russians of Gasoline

![Military operator with drone in field — symbol of monitoring consequences of strikes on refineries and fuel collapse in Russia](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/10/toplivnyj-kolleaps-kak-udary-po-npz-lishili-benzina-50-millionov-rossijan/toplivnyj-kolleaps-kak-udary-po-npz-lishili-benzina-50-millionov-rossijan-1.webp)

A massive fuel crisis is unfolding in Russia, the consequences of which have already been felt by tens of millions of citizens. According to analysts, as a result of systematic drone strikes by Ukraine on energy infrastructure, the country may have lost between 20% and 40% of its oil refining capacity. The situation has escalated from local disruptions to a nationwide problem affecting 35% of the Russian population.

### Sharp Decline in Oil Refining

Statistics from recent months demonstrate a rapid decline in the efficiency of the Russian oil industry. Experts estimate that in June, Russia processed an average of 4.1 million barrels of oil per day. This figure is 28% lower than the average for the last five years and 35% less than the nominal capacity of Russian enterprises.

The situation began to deteriorate critically in May, when Ukraine significantly increased pressure on the enemy's oil infrastructure. Ten of the largest oil refineries (ORs) were hit. Of particular note is the attack on the Omsk Refinery — a strategically important facility located 2,500 km from the front line. The losses of this enterprise, which accounts for about 7% of all Russian capacity, dealt a serious blow to logistics and supply.

### Queues and Coupons: Life Without Fuel

Fuel shortages have already affected about 50 million Russians. As of July 8, restrictions on fuel sales were introduced in most regions of the country. Even before the end of June, authorities in about 50 Russian regions established limits on refilling vehicles. Kilometer-long queues formed at gas stations across the country, and in six regions, gasoline for the population disappeared completely.

The situation in occupied Crimea has reached a critical point: a state of emergency has been officially declared there, and gasoline is sold exclusively via electronic coupons. In many other regions, it has become possible to refuel a car only in major regional centers, creating a huge strain on transport arteries.

### Government Reaction and Attempts to Solve the Problem

Russian leader Vladimir Putin officially acknowledged the existence of problems with fuel supply, but attempted to calm the public by stating that the situation is "not critical." Nevertheless, to combat the shortage, Moscow is resorting to emergency measures, including the redistribution of resources. Russia has already begun taking gasoline from Belarus that was intended for export to Central Asian countries. However, even record volumes of such supplies do not allow for the complete elimination of the shortage in the domestic market.

The consequences of the crisis are felt beyond the borders of Russia. Kazakhstan, seeking to curb the mass export of fuel, has introduced restrictions on crossing the border by car — no more than once a day. These measures indicate that the fuel problem has escalated into a large-scale regional challenge affecting the economy and the daily lives of millions of people.