In September 2025, Russia is facing an unprecedented diesel crisis. Drivers in Vladivostok queue for hours to buy fuel, and some regions have introduced ration cards reminiscent of Soviet times. Farmers in Saratov region cannot harvest their crops due to diesel shortages.
The main cause is over 60 confirmed Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries during 2025, which damaged or destroyed up to a third of refining capacity. Russia, which once produced 85 million tonnes of diesel per year—more than double its domestic needs—now struggles to supply its own economy, let alone export fuel.
The authorities responded with administrative measures: price freezes, increased mandatory oil product sales at exchanges, and export limitations. However, these steps only temporarily suppress the deficit. The crisis has hit all sectors: agriculture incurs heavy losses, with harvests left uncollected, while transport and logistics are almost paralyzed. Cargo traffic is down, and a significant part of the railcar fleet stands idle.
Soaring prices, fuel shortages, and workforce deficits—intensified by military mobilization—have led to rising bankruptcies in industry, construction, and small business. Overall, the financial situation remains dire: over 30% of companies are running at a loss, while GDP growth slows.
On the Far East, fuel sales are limited, and in strategic agricultural and industrial regions, the situation is critical. Administrative interventions have undercut market mechanisms without building effective alternatives, risking further deterioration, especially during winter.
The diesel crisis in Russia was triggered by targeted Ukrainian drone strikes on key refinery infrastructure. This systemic fuel shortfall threatens all aspects of the Russian economy, transport, and food security.
