Ukraine strikes Russia's largest oil refinery, exacerbating gasoline crisis

Ukraine has successfully struck Russia's largest oil refinery in Omsk, over 2,500 kilometers from the front lines, forcing operations to a halt indefinitely. This incident marks a significant escalation, as it means none of Russia's ten largest oil refineries have escaped damage from drone attacks at least once since the start of summer.

Russia is currently facing a widespread gasoline crisis. Restrictions on gasoline sales have been implemented across all regions, and prices have surged dramatically. In some areas, prices have more than doubled, with official statistics showing the largest weekly increase in average gasoline prices in 20 years during the 25th week of the year.

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In the summer, gasoline consumption in Russia is always 20 percent higher than in winter. Even before the war, some regions experienced local gasoline crises during the summer. They were not this extensive, of course.

Analysts note that Ukraine has chosen a critical time to intensify its attacks on Russian oil refineries. "In the summer, gasoline consumption in Russia is always 20 percent higher than in winter," said independent Russian economist Dmitri Nekrasov. He added that even before the current conflict, some regions experienced local gasoline crises during the summer, though not on this scale.

Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Strategy Ltd. Consultancy, agrees that the strikes hit at a crucial moment for the Russian economy, particularly as the agricultural season, especially the harvest, is accelerating. The delay in the start of the harvest season, attributed to fuel shortages and poor weather, further exacerbates the situation. Rising transportation costs, already announced by major road transport companies, will inevitably lead to increased prices for goods.

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The strikes hit at a very critical moment for the Russian economy, as the agricultural season, especially the harvest season, is now accelerating.