Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure trigger fuel crisis in Crimea and wider regions

Jun 23, 2026

Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have triggered a severe fuel crisis, forcing authorities to implement fuel rationing in at least 56 Russian regions. In annexed Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov suspended all public petrol sales, leaving residents without fuel for cars or backup generators. Prices have soared nationwide, with gasoline in the remote republic of Tyva reaching a record average of 90.63 rubles per liter. In response, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed the government is considering a total ban on diesel exports alongside existing bans on gasoline and jet fuel.

Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries

▪Ukrainian forces struck the Orenburg Gas Processing Plant, a major facility producing helium and ethane located over 1,200 kilometers behind the front line, setting the complex on fire
▪A Ukrainian drone strike on June 12, 2026, targeted Tatneft's flagship Taneco refinery in the industrial city of Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan, prompting subsequent fuel rationing in the republic
▪Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and supply networks have triggered widespread fuel shortages and rationing across the Russian Federation

Fuel rationing across Russian regions

▪Russian-installed leader Sergei Aksyonov suspended all public petrol sales in Russian-annexed Crimea, reserving remaining fuel supplies primarily for government services
▪In the Kursk region, local authorities capped gasoline sales at 20 liters per car, hindering residents from using portable generators during power outages and complicating evacuations
▪In Sevastopol, Crimea, authorities implemented severe restrictions including daytime-only operations for public transport, shops, and cafes, and keeping street lights off at night
▪Fuel rationing measures were active in at least 56 Russian regions as of June 25, 2026, due to the mounting toll of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil infrastructure

Rising prices in poor regions

▪The lack of operating railways in Tyva forces all consumer goods and petroleum products to be delivered by truck or plane, compounding the impact of rising fuel costs on basic goods
▪Gasoline prices in the republic of Tyva rose by 9.2% between June 16 and June 22, 2026, reaching a national high average of 90.63 rubles per liter

Government export restrictions

▪Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated on June 23, 2026, that the Russian government is considering a full ban on diesel exports to stabilize the domestic market
▪Russia has already implemented export bans on gasoline and jet fuel in response to the domestic fuel crisis

Regional news roundup

▪A major landfill fire in the Far East republic of Sakha burned for a week, blanketing the regional capital Yakutsk in smog and hazardous air pollution
▪A rare tornado struck the town of Kushva in the Sverdlovsk region on June 23, 2026, leveling dozens of homes and damaging nearly 100 others
▪A military court in Moscow ordered the pre-trial arrest of Wisam Ali Bardwil, the former head mufti of the republic of Karelia, following consecutive administrative arrests