Emergency task force set up to address petrol shortages in 53 Russian regions

Russian Railways has created a special task force to ensure "the uninterrupted supply" of fuel to regions amid worsening shortages caused by Ukrainian strikes on Russia's oil refining sector.

Source: The Moscow Times, an independent Amsterdam-based news outlet

Details: The company said it "is seeking optimal solutions for handling cargo" in real time.

Russian Railways stated that it is working with oil companies and paying particular attention to supplying jet fuel to airports. It added that maximum volumes are being accepted for transport, within the limits of existing infrastructure.

"Russia's fuel crisis continues to deepen as a result of Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries," The Moscow Times said.

According to calculations by The Bell, an independent online newspaper in Russia, restrictions on fuel sales to private vehicles have been introduced in 53 Russian regions, as well as in occupied Ukrainian territories. In particular, 18 regions have imposed limits of no more than 50 litres or one full tank of petrol per customer.

Similar limits have been introduced in Crimea, Sevastopol, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as in the so-called "Donetsk People's Republic" and "Luhansk People's Republic". A further 11 regions are experiencing fuel shortages at a significant number of filling stations, although no formal volume restrictions have yet been introduced.

Background:

• Russian crude oil production fell by about 5% year-on-year in May to 8.7 million barrels per day, leaving it 10% below the monthly target.
• Since the beginning of 2026, Ukraine has carried out over 20 strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, particularly oil refineries, export terminals and pipelines. As of early May, the damage had already cost Russia more than US$7 billion.

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