Moscow Faces Gasoline Rationing Amid Drone Strikes on Oil Infrastructure

Moscow is now experiencing gasoline rationing, a development directly linked to ongoing Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian oil infrastructure. Major fuel retailers in the capital have implemented sales limits as authorities attempt to stabilize supplies. These shortages follow a series of persistent strikes that have progressively degraded Russia's refining capacity. The most recent incident involved a strike on Gazprom Neft's Moscow refining assets earlier this week. Russia, a significant global oil producer and exporter, is facing internal supply chain disruptions. The repeated targeting of refineries and fuel depots is impacting the availability of refined petroleum products domestically, despite the country's crude oil production capabilities. This situation highlights the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sustained attacks, even for a major energy power. The economic implications include potential inflationary pressures within Russia due to higher fuel costs and supply constraints, alongside logistical challenges for businesses and consumers. While the direct impact on global crude markets may be limited given Russia's continued crude exports, the reduced refining capacity could subtly shift regional refined product flows and pricing dynamics in the longer term. The Russian government's response will be critical in mitigating the economic fallout of these domestic fuel shortages.