Ukrainian strikes on russian refineries increasing costs, but fuel shortages unlikely, expert says

Attacks by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on russian oil refineries have contributed to localized fuel shortages, but they are not expected to trigger a major nationwide scarcity, according to a fuel market expert. August and September mark peak fuel consumption months for russia, making the timing of these strikes particularly impactful.

Serhii Kuiun, a fuel market analyst, spoke at Media Center Ukraine, noting the immediate effects on russian fuel prices.

“Damage to russian refineries has caused a noticeable rise in domestic petroleum prices. However, russia produces more diesel fuel than it consumes, so we should not anticipate a shortage of this fuel. Gasoline, meanwhile, is likely to be imported from Belarus,” Kuiun said.

He emphasized that the strikes carry broader strategic consequences for Moscow, increasing the overall price of waging the war. “The more attacks like these continue, the higher the financial toll of this war on russia will be.”

Kuiun also highlighted that Ukrainian forces are targeting not only oil refineries but also pumping stations, further complicating russia’s ability to export fuel.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news