Russia Hits 246 Ukrainian Petrol Stations Since April as July Strikes Jump to 114
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 25
Russia Hits 246 Ukrainian Petrol Stations Since April as July Strikes Jump to 114
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 25
Summary
At least 246 Ukrainian filling stations have been hit by Russian drones and missiles since April, with two stations struck in Kharkiv on Monday and a separate attack near Kryvyi Rih last week killing three people.
July alone saw 114 verified strikes, up from 66 in June, as analysts say Russia shifted from smaller drones to costlier Iranian-made Shaheds priced at roughly $20,000-$50,000 each.
Front-line areas have been hit hardest: almost half of stations in Ukrainian-controlled Kherson are shut, all stations around Opishnya and in Trostyanets were reportedly destroyed, and some roads now have no functioning forecourts.
Police and operators have responded by telling drivers to leave immediately during air-raid alerts, dispensing fuel from moving tankers, and adding shelters, anti-drone nets, shorter hours and fewer staff.
Despite damage to 4% of Ukraine's stations, the National Bank says fuel supply disruption remains limited because Ukraine relies on road imports and a dense retail network, unlike Russia, where Ukrainian refinery strikes have triggered widespread shortages.