Ukraine's Drone Strikes Deplete Russia's Oil-Refining Capabilities and Cause Significant Fuel Shortages

The agency cited Kyiv's drone strikes and the patchwork nature of repairs as key factors in this deterioration. Russia is experiencing its worst fuel crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union, with more than 70 percent of Russian gas stations reportedly without fuel by late August. To stabilize the domestic market, the Kremlin has imposed export bans and begun importing gasoline from India. Temporary fuel rationing has been introduced in more than half of Russia's administrative regions, including Moscow. The fuel crisis is also impacting Russia's occupied territories and neighboring regions. Transnistria, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia are feeling the pressure of reduced energy supplies. Central Asian nations like Tajikistan and Kazakhstan are also experiencing the impact, with Kazakhstan forced to reduce energy exports due to damaged infrastructure. These nations are increasingly looking to diversify their foreign policies and reduce reliance on Russian energy.