# Russian fuel crisis and regional supply disruptions > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/russian-fuel-crisis-and-regional-supply-disruptions > Updated: 2026-08-24T16:03:06.000Z. Sources: 105. Developments: 4. The fuel crisis in Russia has intensified following drone strikes on refinery infrastructure, with at least 30 regions reportedly affected. Significant shortages have reached Moscow and its surrounding areas, prompting major providers such as Gazprom Neft and Tatneft to restrict sales in the capital. These disruptions are creating economic ripples across various sectors, including declining orders in the construction, courier, and taxi industries due to logistics dependencies. In southern regions like Krasnodar, long queues at gas stations have impacted the summer tourism season in cities such as Sochi. To protect the internal market, the Russian government has extended its ban on gasoline exports until January 31, 2027, and continues to maintain restrictions on diesel exports. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has attempted to reassure the public, stating that some refineries have resumed operations following repairs, which may eventually increase domestic supply. The crisis continues to impact Central Asian neighbors that rely heavily on Russian petroleum. In Kyrgyzstan, where over 90% of petroleum products are imported from Russia, petrol prices rose approximately 12% between May and August 2026. The Kyrgyz government has responded with an indefinite ban on fuel exports and $11.4 million in subsidies, while aiming to increase domestic refining capacity to 50,000 tons per month by the end of 2026. Tajikistan, importing about 84% of its petroleum from Russia, has tripled imports from alternative suppliers including Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan. While maintaining a 60-day reserve, the disruption is driving a regional shift toward new energy partners and increased domestic resource exploration. By late August 2026, the situation has been described as a ‘Black August’ crisis, characterized by unpredictable events including fuel shortages and long queues. ## Claims - The term ‘Black August’ is used in Russia to describe a pattern of dramatic crises occurring in late summer. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Ukrainian attacks have targeted Russian oil refineries and distribution centers. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Russian military progress on the front lines in Ukraine has been described as weak or insignificant. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Fuel shortages and long queues at gas stations are being reported in Russia. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused fuel shortages in Russia and Central Asia. (corroborated by 3 sources) - There are rumors among the Russian population regarding a new wave of mobilization. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Russia restricted fuel exports to prioritize domestic needs. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Kyrgyzstan imports over 90% of its petroleum products from Russia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Tajikistan tripled its fuel imports from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan in July 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources) - At least 30 Russian regions are experiencing fuel shortages. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The fuel shortage is causing a decline in orders for taxi drivers, courier services, and the construction industry. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that some refineries have resumed operations following repairs. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-24: Russia faces fuel crisis following refinery attacks Russia faces a growing fuel crisis affecting at least 30 regions following drone strikes on refineries, leading to supply restrictions, economic disruptions, and an extended ban on gasoline exports. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-faces-fuel-crisis-following-refinery-attacks ### 2026-08-23: Central Asia faces fuel crisis following Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries have caused fuel shortages and price spikes in Central Asia, forcing Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan to seek alternative energy suppliers as Russian exports decline. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/central-asia-faces-fuel-crisis-following-russian-refinery-attacks ### 2026-08-23: Russia faces ‘Black August’ crises amid fuel shortages and refinery attacks Russia faces a series of summer crises known as ‘Black August,’ including fuel shortages, Ukrainian attacks on oil infrastructure, and rumors of new military mobilization. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/russia-faces-historical-pattern-of-august-crises ### 2026-08-16: Russia faces fuel crisis following Ukrainian strikes on refineries Russia is experiencing a fuel crisis due to Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries, forcing the government to import gasoline from India and implement sales limits and lower fuel quality standards. 78 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/romania-fuel-prices-gasoline-dips-while-diesel-remains-above-10-lei --- Cite as: Russian fuel crisis and regional supply disruptions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/russian-fuel-crisis-and-regional-supply-disruptions