Fuel shortages put new pressure on Russia as Ukraine targets refineries
Al Jazeera reported that Ukrainian strikes have disrupted a third of Russia’s refining capacity, forcing export bans and regional sales limits.
By James Whitfield · Staff Writer
2 min read
Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries have disrupted a substantial share of the country’s fuel production, according to independent energy analysts cited by Al Jazeera. The pressure has drawn attention to whether economic strain could push Moscow closer to talks with Kyiv as the war enters its fifth year.
Al Jazeera reported that the strikes have affected one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity. The resulting fuel shortage has led Moscow to extend bans on petrol exports and curb sales in more than 40 Russian regions and in Crimea, according to the broadcaster.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has played down the effect of the strikes, Al Jazeera reported. Putin said the attacks are not critical and maintained that Russia’s war will continue until his objectives are achieved.
Refinery strikes add pressure
The refinery disruptions mark a pressure point for Russia because they target fuel supplies rather than battlefield positions. Al Jazeera said the attacks have contributed to shortages inside Russia, prompting restrictions that reach across dozens of regions.
The report did not specify which analysts gave the one-third estimate, but attributed the figure to independent energy analysts. It also did not give a full list of the affected regions or the terms of the petrol sales restrictions.
Ukraine has used strikes on energy and military infrastructure inside Russia as part of its wider war effort, according to Al Jazeera’s coverage. The broadcaster also reported that Ukraine hit oil and military facilities near St Petersburg in a separate story linked to the same coverage.
Moscow continues attacks on Ukraine
Al Jazeera reported that Russia is continuing to attack Ukraine despite the fuel problems at home. The broadcaster cited a large Russian strike on Kyiv on Thursday as one example of Moscow’s ongoing campaign.
The report framed the refinery damage and fuel shortages around a central question: whether economic pressure can help bring the war to an end. No breakthrough in talks was reported, and Putin’s public position, as described by Al Jazeera, remains that Russia will keep fighting until its stated goals are met.
Al Jazeera discussed the issue in a 28-minute programme presented by Mohammed Jamjoom. The guests were political analyst and independent journalist Alexander Bratersky, Ukrainian member of parliament Oleksiy Goncharenko, and Theresa Fallon, director of the Centre for Russia Europe Asia Studies.
The discussion was published on July 4, 2026, according to Al Jazeera. It came amid continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure and continued Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.