Russia’s gasoline output drops to 65% of demand after Ukrainian drone strikes

Russian gasoline production has fallen to roughly 65% of seasonal average consumption following a sustained campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes on major refineries, Reuters ↗ 0.95% reported on July 10, citing industry sources and its own calculations. The deepening shortfall marks an escalation from earlier estimates of a 20-25% gap between production and demand, plunging Russia into its worst fuel crisis in years.reuters

A Nationwide Shortage

The crisis, which has been building since Ukrainian attacks on refining infrastructure intensified in the summer of 2025, now affects at least 78 of Russia's 83 regions. Fuel rationing is widespread, with purchases limited to 20-30 liters per vehicle and filling of jerry cans largely prohibited. Drivers have reported waiting up to 18 hours at gas stations, and Crimea has periodically ceased fuel sales to everyone except government and essential services since late June.cnn+3

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the shortages on state television, saying "We are currently seeing a certain shortage, though I would say it is not critical". Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has insisted the market is "fully supplied", a claim contradicted by conditions on the ground.aljazeera+1

Industry estimates from early July suggested Russia was producing roughly 85,000 metric tons of gasoline daily against peak summer demand of about 110,000 metric tons. The Reuters report indicating output has now dropped to 65% of demand suggests the gap has widened further.dallasexpress+1

Russia Scrambles for Imports

The Kremlin has responded with a series of emergency measures, including banning diesel and jet fuel exports, loosening fuel-quality regulations, and importing gasoline from abroad. According to Reuters, Russia has begun purchasing gasoline from India — an ironic reversal in a system where Indian refiners had previously served as buyers of Russian crude under international sanctions. At least 60,000 metric tons have been dispatched from India, with Russia planning to import 400,000 tons monthly from various countries including Belarus.reuters+2

Ukraine Formalizes Strike Campaign

On July 10, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the creation of a dedicated long-range strike command designed to concentrate resources for deeper attacks on Russian military and economic targets. The new command will coordinate Ukraine's growing arsenal of long-range drones that have repeatedly hit refineries across Russia's vast territory.english.nv+1

Analysts estimate that Ukrainian drone attacks have disabled roughly a quarter to a third of Russia's total oil refining capacity, with the campaign having struck Russian oil facilities more than 300 times since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.wikipedia+2