Russia faces fuel rationing and small‑business slump amid Ukraine attacks

Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian refineries have forced Moscow to impose gasoline rationing, limiting purchases to 20‑50 litres per vehicle and introducing patrols at stations. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged a fuel shortage, though describing it as non‑critical, as long queues appear across cities, including severe restrictions in Siberia.

At the same time, Russian small‑business owners report falling sales, rising taxes and operating costs that threaten their survival. A salon owner in the Moscow suburb of Mitishchi said, "The number of customers has dropped and the new tax measures push us toward bankruptcy," while a shopkeeper added, "They decided to finish us off." Economists note that military spending now accounts for about 8 % of Russia's GDP, while the civilian economy contracts, with the first quarterly decline in three years recorded in early 2026.