In a recent development, Russian motorists are feeling the pinch at the pump as gas prices continue to climb due to drone strikes on oil facilities across the country. The ongoing war initiated by Vladimir Putin has witnessed a series of attacks on critical infrastructure, including oil facilities located hundreds of miles away from the Ukrainian border.

Russian authorities have attributed these drone strikes to Ukraine, although Kyiv has frequently denied any responsibility for the attacks that hinder Moscow's war efforts. The situation escalated further on Tuesday, as a fire broke out at a Lukoil refinery in Nizhny Novgorod, approximately 280 miles east of Moscow. Simultaneously, an energy facility in the city of Oryol was also targeted on the same day. Russian officials have reported further strikes on refineries in Ryazan and Rostov-on-Don on the following day. In recent weeks, other oil facilities in Volgograd, Tyapse, and St. Petersburg have also been targeted by drones.

The suspension of refinery operations has raised concerns over the balance between supply and demand, thus impacting gas prices. According to Russian business news outlet RBC, an industry source revealed that buyers are anxious about the potential severity of the market situation, leading them to secure their supplies by making purchases. As a result, the price of AI-95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange experienced a 1.88 percent increase on Wednesday, exceeding 60,000 rubles ($657) per ton. This rise marked the highest since September, when gas prices declined after the lifting of a temporary embargo on fuel exports. During that period, AI-95 gas prices had reached a peak of 76,876 rubles ($840) per ton on September 7.

The rise in gas prices was not limited to AI-95 gasoline. RBC reported that AI-92 gasoline witnessed a 1.31 percent increase to 48,182 rubles ($527) per ton, while diesel fuel rose by 1.62 percent to 61,791 rubles ($676) per ton on Wednesday.

While motorists battle higher fuel costs, Russia's energy ministry attempted to downplay concerns regarding gas prices. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry stated that fuel prices at forecourts remained "stable" despite short-term fluctuations in the wholesale market.

In an effort to stabilize prices in the domestic market and manage increased demand during the spring and summer, the Russian government reintroduced a six-month ban on gasoline exports on March 1. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak emphasized that this regulatory measure had previously been implemented between September and November 2023.

As Russian motorists grapple with rising gas prices, the impact of drone strikes on oil facilities continues to reverberate throughout the country. The future of gas prices remains uncertain, and motorists will be closely monitoring any developments that may affect their wallets at the pump.