Russian government changes approach to petrol production after Ukrainian strikes on refineries
The Russian government is tightening control over fuel production, which has fallen to its lowest level in 17 years due to a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on at least nine oil refineries in April.
Source: The Moscow Times, an independent Amsterdam-based news outlet
Details: Eleven of Russia's largest oil companies, including Rosneft, Gazprom Neft, Lukoil and Surgutneftegaz, will sign agreements with the Energy Ministry on what is described as "measures to stabilise the domestic petroleum products market".
The resolution was approved by the Russian government. Its stated purpose is to "maintain sufficient fuel volumes during the period of seasonal growth in demand and agricultural fieldwork".
Background:
- Since the beginning of 2026, Ukrainian drones have attacked Russian oil refineries at least 19 times. In April, at least five plants fully or partially suspended oil refining.
- Due to the drone attacks, refinery runs have fallen to their lowest level since 2009, at 4.69 million barrels per day, which is below the levels seen during last autumn's petrol crisis, when they stood at 4.88 million barrels per day.
- Due to a series of drone raids at that time, Russia faced a fuel shortage, petrol stations in the regions returned to Soviet-style ration coupon sales and wholesale petrol prices hit all-time highs.
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