Russia imposes fuel sales limits in regions hit by drone attacks

Russia is introducing retail fuel sales limits in several regions as Ukrainian drone attacks continue to target the country's fuel and energy complex. Since late May, multiple oil refineries have been hit, including facilities in Tuapse, Volgograd, and Saratov, exacerbating pressure on the domestic fuel market.

In response to these disruptions, administrative measures have been enacted. Sevastopol began partially restricting gasoline sales on May 22, with diesel fuel sold via coupons and a maximum limit of 20 liters of gasoline per vehicle at some stations. Crimea followed suit on May 30, initially implementing coupon-only sales for gasoline and diesel, and later capping daily purchases at 20 liters per person.

The implementation of these sales limits has already resulted in lengthy queues at gas stations and growing dissatisfaction among residents. Compounding the issue is a reported decline in oil product manufacturing. According to Reuters, diesel fuel production in Russia decreased by approximately 10 percent in May 2026, mirroring a similar drop in April. This reduction in output, estimated in the hundreds of thousands of tons, is attributed to forced shutdowns and reduced refinery operations following the drone attacks on processing facilities.