Petrol stations in Moscow have introduced purchase limits on petrol as fuel shortages spread across Russia following drone attacks on oil refineries.
Fuel suppliers and eyewitnesses confirmed the rationing measures in the capital, according to a report by news agency Reuters. The restrictions follow growing deficits caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on major refining facilities combined with high seasonal fuel consumption.
Eyewitnesses reported long queues of vehicles forming at several filling stations across Moscow and the surrounding Moscow region. Supply shortages first began building in May before spreading across most Russian regions by July, although Moscow filling stations had briefly eased purchasing restrictions during June.
Moscow is Russia's capital and largest consumer market for refined petroleum products. The country's fuel distribution network is dominated by major energy producers including state-controlled Rosneft, private producer Lukoil, and Gazprom Neft, the oil subsidiary of state gas corporation Gazprom.
Fuel purchase limits set by major operators
Individual fuel retailers have set differing purchase caps for motorists. A hotline operator for Gazprom Neft stated that the company has capped sales of both petrol and diesel to 40 litres per customer at its automated filling stations in Moscow. At standard Gazprom Neft stations, diesel sales remain unrestricted, while petrol purchases are limited to 60 litres per vehicle.
State oil firm Rosneft has imposed stricter nationwide limits on motorists. The company stated that petrol sales at all of its stations across Russia are capped at 30 litres per vehicle, though diesel purchases remain free of restrictions.
Lukoil did not disclose specific volumetric caps for customers. However, the company stated that it introduced restrictions across Moscow and the Moscow region to maintain stable station operations amid high demand and unscheduled technical maintenance at oil refineries.
Refinery damage and foreign fuel imports
The supply squeeze comes as Ukrainian long-range drone strikes severely disrupt domestic refining capacity. By the end of July, the aerial campaign had taken out more than 30 per cent of Russia's actual oil refining capacity and 45 per cent of its nominal capacity.
In response to the domestic fuel crunch, the Russian government moved to safeguard local supplies. On July 30, officials decided to extend an existing ban on petrol and diesel exports for an additional six months.
Russia has also turned to overseas fuel suppliers to plug supply gaps. Reports on July 1 revealed that Russia had begun importing fuel from Morocco while increasing its fuel purchases from neighboring Belarus by 25 times. Subsequently, shipments of petrol from India began arriving in Russia on August 12.
