Russia: Fuel shortages spread after Ukrainian strikes on energy infrastructure

Fuel shortages are now spreading to several regions of Russia, including previously unaffected areas like Moscow, following a series of Ukrainian attacks targeting energy infrastructure. According to residents and local authorities, the effects of the strikes are being felt far beyond the direct conflict zones.

In several regions of southern Russia, as well as in annexed Crimea, motorists are facing restrictions on the amount of gasoline they can buy. Queues are forming outside some gas stations, while others are experiencing supply disruptions or temporary closures.

According to reports gathered across the country, these restrictions now extend to a large part of the territory, including some areas of Siberia. Only Moscow and a few more isolated regions are still officially exempt from these restrictions, although disruptions have also been reported there.

In the Russian capital, several gas stations have reportedly been forced to close, while others are experiencing unusually long lines. This situation illustrates the extent of the disruptions to the country's energy supply chain, affected by attacks targeting production and distribution infrastructure.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on Sunday, during a meeting with government officials, that fuel shortages had been caused in some regions by Ukrainian drone strikes. He assured, however, that Russian authorities were working to resolve the situation.

For several weeks, Ukraine has been targeting logistics and energy facilities in Crimea and other areas controlled or influenced by Russia, as part of its strategy to weaken the Russian military effort. These attacks have gradually put pressure on the fuel distribution network, which is now facing increasing difficulties across a large part of Russian territory.