Putin Says Ukrainian Drone Strikes Cause Fuel Shortages Across Russian Regions

Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on June 28 that Russia is dealing with fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries, describing the situation as “a certain shortage” across various regions while adding the caveat that things are “not critical.”

“Putin warns of fuel shortages in Russia due to Ukrainian drone strikes Russian president admits refining capacity has taken a significant hit, with rationing now in effect across at least 16 regions Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged on June 28 that Russia is dealing with fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on its oil refineries”

Crypto Briefing

The shortages have led to fuel rationing active in at least 16 Russian regions, and the Crypto Briefing account says damage to refining infrastructure has slashed refining capacity by as much as 20% during peak attack days.

Crypto Briefing

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported Putin told drivers and businesses that “problems for drivers and for businesses persist,” and said “Unfortunately, there are still lines at gas stations.”

The same Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty report said Putin framed the response as reducing “the impact of terrorist attacks on our civilian targets and infrastructure,” referring to Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory against crucial energy infrastructure.

In parallel, Türkiye Today said Putin offered the same Kremlin-published phrasing that strikes were causing “problems, that's obvious,” while Russia was experiencing “a certain shortage, but it's not critical.”

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty said at least 17 regions imposed mandatory restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales, while dozens of others reported shortages or restrictions by private fuel companies.

The report also described videos posted online showing “angry drivers lining up at gasoline stations,” often engaging in heated arguments with other drivers.

DIE WELT

In the same Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty account, Putin said “We need to make every effort to ensure that all seasonal fuel supply schedules are maintained for agro-industrial enterprises, because the harvest depends on it,” and he called for measures to ensure supplies for the farming sector.

Crypto Briefing added that sales restrictions cap the amount of fuel each vehicle can purchase and that supply is being prioritized for essential services, while noting “Reports suggest over 50 regions are now experiencing some degree of fuel disruption.”

Türkiye Today tied the strain to Russian-annexed Crimea, where authorities declared an “emergency situation” on Friday after fuel shortages and power cuts triggered by Ukrainian attacks on logistics chains and oil facilities.

Multiple outlets said Putin convened crisis-level attention to cushion the effects of repeated Ukrainian attacks on refineries and other oil-industry facilities, with DIE WELT quoting him as saying “We must reduce the consequences of terrorist attacks on our civilian facilities and the infrastructure.”

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Financial Times

DIE WELT reported that Russia began tapping into gasoline reserves and that Putin confirmed an export ban on diesel fuel was already being considered, while also saying he expected a clear increase in July production of the most important fuels.

Crypto Briefing said the Russian government formed a dedicated task force to stabilize fuel supplies, with a plan that included importing gasoline by sea, fast-tracking repairs on damaged refinery infrastructure, and strengthening air defense systems around key energy installations.

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty added that Putin claimed a task force on fuel supplies was working round the clock, and he vowed that July production levels should be above those recorded in June.

In parallel, La Libre.be said Putin told a Russian journalist that “We are ready to continue negotiations and discuss all the details,” linking the fuel crisis backdrop to his broader posture toward talks after the Iranian dossier’s “heated phase.”