Ukrnafta, the largest state-owned gas station chain, is transitioning to heightened security operations amid frequent attacks on energy and fuel infrastructure. Despite record-high fuel prices, the company continues to keep costs lower for consumers, maintaining more competitive rates than the rest of the market. Board Chairman Bogdan Kukura stated that Ukrnafta possesses sufficient financial resources to maintain its current pricing policy, notwithstanding Ukraine's high dependence on imports and logistics risks related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Personnel and customer safety during air raids
Strict threat response protocols have been implemented throughout the gas station network. During «red» level air raids, station operations cease completely, while under «yellow» levels, facilities switch to «cold» mode — operating without personnel. The company emphasizes that staff must not make independent decisions, following strict protocols based on threat levels. Customers present at a station when a siren sounds must follow staff instructions to cease service safely and move to shelters immediately.
Infrastructure engineering protection
The scale of threats has grown significantly this year: while the network experienced approximately 100 attacks between 2022 and 2025, the number of strikes has already exceeded 150 since the beginning of 2026 alone. In response, Ukrnafta has scaled up its infrastructure reinforcement program. Currently, 36 facilities are protected by gabions, and 22 stations are equipped with modular concrete shelters. This protection program is expanding to Kyiv, building on successful experiences in frontline regions, with plans to install protective structures at 72 sites across nine regions.
Investments in anti-drone measures
The company's total investments in security and infrastructure protection for 2026 are estimated at 2.9 billion UAH. In addition to building concrete modules and using gabions, anti-drone nets are being deployed. Bogdan Kukura noted that while security costs are part of operational expenses, these are not directly passed on to the retail price per liter: the price is determined based on market conditions, currency fluctuations, and logistics components.
Fuel market outlook and threat tactics
Experts note that current attacks on gas stations have both physical and psychological objectives. According to radio technology specialists, the enemy is attempting to provoke panic and artificial shortages by creating queues at gas stations. However, the fuel system has sufficient flexibility for rapid recovery: damaged stations often return to service in a simplified format within a few days. Ukrnafta is relying on a combination of physical protection and clear procedures to minimize risks and ensure the continuity of fuel supplies, precluding the possibility of a critical collapse in the sector.
