Gasoline shortages in Russia continue to escalate as sustained Ukrainian long-range drone strikes target critical oil infrastructure. These attacks are reaching deeper into Russian territory, disrupting fuel production and transport systems that the Kremlin has long relied on to stabilize domestic energy prices. The growing pressure on Russia’s energy network is now spilling into occupied Ukrainian regions, where access to fuel is becoming increasingly restricted.

On September 27, Ukrainian Security Service sources confirmed a drone strike nearly 1,000 kilometers from the border, hitting the Tyngovatovo Oil Pumping Station in the Chuvash Republic. The strike ignited a fire and forced a suspension of operations. Even Russian regional officials admitted damage at the site, underscoring how far Ukrainian drones can now reach.

Shortages became visible almost immediately. Lipetsk Oblast authorities urged residents not to panic amid rapidly diminishing fuel availability. Prices for AI-95 gasoline surged to levels rarely seen in Russia, a country that has historically used subsidies to keep prices artificially low. Reports show that stations in Moscow, Leningrad, and other major oblasts began limiting purchases to 10–20 liters or restricting sales to diesel only. In the Far East, Belgorod, and occupied Crimea—regions highly dependent on external supply—the shortages are particularly severe.

While Russia struggles with these disruptions, Ukraine continues receiving substantial Western military aid. Estonia recently committed €10 million through NATO’s PURL program, and Ukraine confirmed new Patriot systems from Israel and additional systems arriving later in the year.

Meanwhile, Moscow attempts to deflect international scrutiny. Russian MFA spokesperson Maria Zakharova falsely accused Ukraine of orchestrating drone incursions into Poland and Romania—despite both countries identifying the drones as Russian. At the same time, several NATO members reported mysterious drone activity near military facilities and infrastructure, adding further regional tension.

Ukrainian and Russian forces also made localized advances on multiple fronts, reflecting a battlefield that remains dynamic despite strategic infrastructure strikes shaping the wider war.