Ukraine’s drone campaign forces fuel purchase limits in 53 Russian regions
Ukraine's drone strikes on Russia's oil infrastructure have led to fuel purchase restrictions in 53 Russian regions and occupied Ukrainian territories, according to The Bell.
Most Russian regions are experiencing some form of fuel shortage, the business outlet The Bell reports. Fifty-three Russian regions, along with territories annexed by Moscow in 2014 and 2022, have imposed fuel purchase limits on private vehicles.
In 18 regions, drivers may purchase no more than 50 liters (13 gallons), or one full tank if the tank holds less. The same limits apply in Crimea, the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, and the self-proclaimed Donetsk and Luhansk People’s Republics. Shortages at a significant share of gas stations have been reported in 11 more regions, though no purchase limits have been imposed there.
In May 2026, Russia’s oil production fell to its lowest level in a year amid intensifying Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel depots. The strikes forced nearly every major oil facility in central Russia to scale back or halt operations, Reuters reported in late May.
In Crimea, a fuel crisis began after Ukrainian forces struck fuel tankers and trucks transporting fuel to the annexed peninsula.
