Ukraine Launches 21 Attacks on Russian Oil Refineries, Sparking Fuel Shortages and Rationing
Ukraine conducted at least 21 attacks on Russian oil refineries in August 2026, according to public statements from both sides. The strikes caused oil processing in Russia to drop to a 20-year low, leading to severe fuel shortages and rationing in dozens of regions. Queues at gas stations in Moscow reached up to 50 vehicles.
Where Sources Diverge
Meduza and Bloomberg report 21 attacks on Russian oil refineries in August, while other sources focus on the consequences of the attacks without specifying the number of attacks.
Ukraine attacked at least 21 Russian oil refineries in August.
Ukraine’s Record Strikes Push Russians Back to Gasoline Lines - Bloomberg
Ukraine's Record Attacks on Oil Refineries Bring Russians Back to Gasoline Queues
Sources
In August, Ukraine attacked at least 21 Russian oil refineries, according to public statements from both sides. This is more than in any other month since the start of the war, according to a Bloomberg article on the second wave of the fuel crisis in Russia.
In Moscow, queues at gas stations already reach up to 50 vehicles, and in dozens of regions of Russia, fuel rationing has been introduced.
Bloomberg: Russia is experiencing a second wave of fuel shortages due to record Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries. The shortage is visible even in Moscow: queues of 30–50 cars. In dozens of regions, fuel rationing has been introduced. Without queues, it's either empty or too expensive: independent gas stations ask around 100 rubles per liter, while major chains charge below 80. Also read: Putin preparing for war escalation [...]
Ukraine’s Record Strikes Push Russians Back to Gasoline Lines Bloomberg.com