Russian Gasoline Prices Soar Amidst Ukrainian Strikes on Oil Infrastructure
Translated from Lithuanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Gasoline prices in Russia surged by 6.88% in June, significantly faster than in previous months, according to Rosstat data.
- Analysts attribute the price hike to Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and fuel logistics, exacerbated by summer demand.
- Benzine shortages are reported in at least 78 Russian regions and occupied Ukrainian territories, impacting civilian consumers and military logistics.
Gasoline prices in Russia experienced a sharp increase in June, with average consumer prices rising by 6.88%, a rate significantly higher than in preceding months. Data from Russia's Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat) revealed that AI-92 gasoline prices climbed 7.3%, AI-95 by 6.7%, AI-98 by 3.1%, and diesel by 7.1% during June.
Year-on-year, gasoline was 19.9% more expensive in June 2026 compared to the previous year. This contrasts with price increases of 11.13% in 2024 and 10.78% in 2025. Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia's oil infrastructure and fuel supply chains are the primary cause for this dramatic price jump, particularly during the peak summer demand period.
The ISW report indicates that fuel shortages are now evident in at least 78 of Russia's 83 federal regions, as well as in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories. This scarcity affects not only civilian consumers but also impacts logistical operations for Russian forces in rear and frontline zones. Ukraine is expected to continue its drone and missile campaigns, further exacerbating fuel deficits as Russia struggles with inadequate air defenses, contributing to the success of Ukrainian operations.
Originally published by Delfi in Lithuanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.