The Russian government has implemented restrictions on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel across numerous regions in response to a supply crisis linked to drone attacks on oil refineries and depots. Reports indicate that temporary measures have been enacted in at least 53 regions.
According to Russian news agency Interfax and regional authorities, restrictions began on June 23 at Lukoil gas stations in Voronezh Oblast. Customers are now limited to purchasing a maximum of 30 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per fill-up in urban areas, while highway purchases are capped at 60 liters of gasoline and 200 liters of diesel. Lukoil attributed these measures to logistical issues and increased demand.
On June 22, the governor of Omsk Oblast, Vitaly Khotsenko, announced similar limits to prevent panic buying and speculation. In urban areas, customers can fill up to 40 liters of gasoline and 80 liters of diesel, while highway purchases allow for up to 200 liters of diesel.
The governor of Irkutsk Oblast, Igor Kobzev, also reported that some gas stations in the region have already imposed restrictions, with a few ceasing operations entirely. He acknowledged that the fuel crisis necessitated a more hands-on approach to ensure that essential services, including firefighting, emergency medical services, public transport, and agricultural machinery, receive adequate fuel supplies.
In Saratov Oblast, Governor Roman Busargin announced that from June 23 to June 30, sales would be limited to no more than 30 liters of gasoline per vehicle.
DW noted that similar fuel sale restrictions have been reported in Amur, Tambov, Lipetsk, Novosibirsk, Tula, Tver, and Vladimir Oblasts.
The Russian publication The Bell reported that as of mid-June 2026, many regions are experiencing fuel shortages, with temporary sales restrictions affecting private vehicles in 53 regions, including those in temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
Earlier, Reuters cited sources and official data indicating that significant drone strikes by Ukraine have led to the near-total shutdown or substantial reduction of production at major oil refineries in central Russia.
On May 1, President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that since the beginning of 2026, Russia has incurred losses of at least $7 billion due to Ukrainian long-range strikes on its oil facilities.
Government Ban on Fuel Exports
On April 2, the Russian government prohibited gasoline exports for producers until the end of July, citing the need to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market during the high-demand season and agricultural activities, along with rising global oil prices due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
On June 1, the Russian government also banned the export of aviation fuel for five months, until October 30, 2026.
The Russian government has enacted fuel sale restrictions across 53 regions due to a crisis stemming from drone attacks on oil facilities. These measures aim to manage supply amid rising demand and logistical challenges.