Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries trigger fuel shortages and cross-border smuggling in Kazakhstan
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Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused fuel shortages and long queues across Russia, driving residents in border regions to seek petrol in Kazakhstan. Kazakh authorities banned petrol exports in late May, but border guards report thwarting hundreds of smuggling attempts. Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, which relied on Russia for up to 90 percent of their petrol, are also feeling the ripple effects.
Key Facts
- Ukrainian drones have burned down Russian oil refineries and fuel depots from Crimea to the Baltic to western Siberia throughout most of this year.
- Kazakhstan banned petrol exports in late May, but border guards report thwarting hundreds of attempts to smuggle fuel back to Russia.
- Fuel prices in Kazakhstan increased by 15.6 percent this year, according to UlusMedia on July 10.
- Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan used to get up to 90 percent of their petrol from Russia and have been hurt the most by the shortages.
Fuel Shortages in Russia
Swarms of Ukrainian drones have been burning down Russian oil refineries and fuel depots from annexed Crimea to the Baltic to western Siberia for most of this year. Tens of millions of Russians face fuel shortages and hours-long queues at petrol stations, with occasional shouting and fist fights. Russian President Vladimir Putin refuses to resume peace talks, claiming his forces advance in all directions. Residents of regions bordering Kazakhstan, including urban centres along the Volga River, drive hundreds of kilometres to fill up in Kazakhstan.
Cross-Border Smuggling
Kazakhstan banned petrol exports in late May, but border guards report thwarting hundreds of attempts to smuggle fuel back to Russia in canisters, makeshift fuel tanks, or giant fuel trucks. Some smugglers still make their way across the 7,644km land border between Kazakhstan and Russia, according to people interviewed for this article. A businessman in Almaty, Timur, told Al Jazeera there is total contraband along the border. Fuel prices in Kazakhstan increased by 15.6 percent this year, reported UlusMedia on July 10.
Regional Ripple Effects
Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, resource-poor mountainous nations, used to get up to 90 percent of their petrol from Russia. Galiya Ibragimova, a Moldova-based expert on Central Asia with Carnegie Politika, said these countries have been hurt the most. Kyrgyzstan is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union, a free trade bloc dominated by Russia, while Tajikistan is not a member but bought discounted Russian fuel as payment for political loyalty, Ibragimova said.
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Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries trigger fuel shortages and cross-border smuggling in Kazakhstan
