Russia Rations Petrol as Ukraine Strikes Disrupt Fuel Supplies
Russia's oil refining capacity is under severe pressure due to Ukrainian drone strikes, forcing it to ration petrol at home. Petrol stations in Moscow have reintroduced limits, with major players like Gazprom Neft and Rosneft capping purchases at 30 to 60 litres per vehicle.
Experts point out that this highlights a critical paradox: Russia has abundant crude oil, producing millions of barrels daily, but its refining capacity is insufficient. The situation escalated when Ukraine struck the NORSI refinery in Nizhny Novgorod on August 26th, forcing it to suspend crude processing.
Russia's decision to import finished petrol from countries like India, Belarus, and Kazakhstan underscores the strain on its energy system. A cargo of approximately 68,000 tonnes of petrol loaded at India's Vadinar port reached Russia's Arctic port of Vitino in August.