Overview
- Refinery attacks, which Reuters and multiple outlets reported this week, have cut domestic gasoline production to about 65% of seasonal needs and created a daily shortfall of roughly 40,000–45,000 tonnes.
- Long queues and per‑vehicle rationing systems using limits, licence‑plate controls or QR codes have spread across many regions as stations run dry.
- Local media and social posts report isolated deaths and medical emergencies at or near fuel queues, though those human‑impact claims come mainly from regional outlets and eyewitness accounts.
- Moscow has stopped fuel exports and is buying gasoline from abroad to steady supply, but shortages are already disrupting truck deliveries and farm work and adding pressure to an economy showing weak growth and falling investment.
- The crisis is fragile and depends on whether further refinery strikes hit capacity and on how quickly imports and distribution can be scaled up, with the Kremlin facing rising public frustration reported by both local and exile outlets.