Almost all of Russia's 83 regions are facing gasoline shortages or supply disruptions, according to a CNN analysis, as the fallout from repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on the country's oil refineries deepens.
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Gas stations in several regions have introduced fuel rationing, prompting the Russian government to scramble to stabilise supplies and contain the growing crisis.
The fuel shortage, initially confined to Russian-controlled Crimea where authorities declared a state of emergency and halted fuel sales to the public on June 21, has since spread across nearly the entire country, spanning Russia's 11 time zones, as cited by CNN.
"We are currently seeing certain shortages, although they are not critical," Russian president Vladimir Putin said during a state television interview on Sunday.
More than 50 of Russia's internationally recognised regions have officially reported fuel supply problems, while unofficial reports indicate disruptions in nearly all of the country's regions.
At least three regions, including Irkutsk and the Transbaikal region in eastern Russia, have declared a "state of heightened alert," one level below a state of emergency.
Russian media reported that people are waiting up to 18 hours in queues at fuel stations. A CNN analysis found that gas stations across Russia have imposed purchase limits, while fuel-tracking websites have emerged to help drivers locate available supplies.
Authorities have also taken action against alleged black-market sales. In the Siberian city of Irkutsk, police fined four people on Monday for allegedly reselling gasoline at higher prices, according to the regional Interior Ministry.
Speaking on Sunday, Putin said the government was shortening planned refinery maintenance schedules, considering a ban on diesel exports and increasing fuel imports to address the shortages.
Russia has also started importing gasoline by sea from India to ease fuel shortages.
Ukraine has stepped up attacks on Russian oil infrastructure in recent months. Overnight into Monday, Ukraine's military targeted the Russian city of Yaroslavl, reportedly striking the city's oil refinery, according to Russian Telegram channels, as cited by Kyiv Independent.
The Yaroslavl Oil Refinery, located about 250 kilometres northeast of Moscow and around 700 kilometres from Ukraine's border, has been repeatedly targeted by Ukrainian attacks.
The latest strike came just a week after the refinery was reportedly attacked on June 28.
Kyiv considers energy infrastructure a legitimate military target, arguing that such facilities supply fuel and funding for Russia's war effort.
