Russian senior officials for the first time admit: gasoline shortage caused by Ukrainian drones
On July 10, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak publicly stated that there are indeed gasoline supply issues within Russia, and for the first time directly linked these problems to Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian oil refining facilities.
"Yes, there are indeed some issues. Due to Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, supply disruptions have occurred in certain regions. Some gas stations are experiencing long queues, and operations at several others remain unstable. We are taking measures to stabilize the market, including adjusting supply plans and restricting fuel exports."
This statement marks the first time a high-ranking Russian official has openly acknowledged domestic gasoline shortages and attributed the root cause to military strikes by Ukraine, reflecting an increasing level of concern within Russia regarding the security of its energy infrastructure.
On July 6, Ukraine deployed an upgraded FP-1 drone, flying approximately 2,700 kilometers (with a maximum range of 3,000 km), bypassing air defense networks deep into Siberia, precisely hitting the core crude distillation unit at the Omsk refinery. The plant processes 22 million tons of crude oil annually—accounting for 10% of Russia’s total capacity. This set a new global record for the longest-range combat deployment of a suicide drone, completely shattering Russia’s myth of "absolute safety in the vast Siberian hinterland."
By early July, nine out of Russia’s top ten oil refineries had been attacked to varying degrees by drones; only the Angarsk refinery in Irkutsk Oblast remained untouched. Ukrainian strikes have thus disabled about 43% of Russia’s petroleum refining capacity. Of this, roughly 25% is permanently impaired due to destruction of key equipment and cannot be repaired in the short term under Western sanctions.
In June, Russia’s crude oil processing volume dropped to an average of 4.69 million barrels per day (some sources estimate around 4 million barrels), marking the lowest level since 2009. National daily gasoline production fell from 1.03 million barrels to 850,000 barrels.
Fifty-six federal subjects across the country were forced to implement fuel rationing and purchase limits (20–30 liters per vehicle), leading to long queues at gas stations and even conflicts over queue jumping in many areas. Civilian fuel sales have been completely suspended across the Crimean Peninsula.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870376741535744/
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