For several months, Ukrainian forces have been targeting energy infrastructure in Russian regions and on the illegally annexed Crimean Peninsula. Russian supply routes in the occupied territories, as well as key oil refineries inside Russia itself, have come under attack.
In June alone, refineries in Moscow, Nizhnekamsk, Tyumen and Volgograd were struck. In May, a total of 16 refineries were attacked. As a result, gasoline production has fallen by 25%, Reuters reported, citing its own sources. Russia is currently producing only 85,000 metric tons of gasoline per day, while summer demand stands at 110,000 metric tons per day.
"This summer, Russia appears to be heading toward what could be the worst fuel crisis in its history," experts at the US think tank Energy Intelligence said.Putin acknowledges fuel shortages for the first time
On June 28, Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly acknowledged "certain fuel shortages" for the first time.
"There is some damage," he said in an interview on Russian state television, adding that all the damaged facilities are being repaired fairly quickly, and the problems are not critical.
