Russians queuing round the clock to tank up after more than 40% of refining capacity destroyed
The Kremlin is increasingly targeting Ukraine’s civilian fuel infrastructure as repeated strikes on its refineries cause petrol shortages across Russia.
Once described as a petrol station masquerading as a country, the vast country is increasingly unable to fill its primary role of keeping its citizens’ tanks full. Rationing and queues are in evidence across the country. Siberian mayors are installing porta-potties as drivers desperate for fuel brave the sometimes 36-hour-long lines.
In response, the Kremlin has launched a “fully fledged air raid campaign” against Ukrainian petrol stations since late June, said Torsten Wöllert, an EU official in Kyiv. Vladyslav Mikhnych, director of the Kyiv Energy and Climate Lab, said that “more than 150 petrol stations had been hit” since April.
“That number looks to be growing,” he said. “Just two weeks ago, one in my Kyiv neighbourhood was destroyed.”
