Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries have begun to affect fuel prices far beyond Russia, including in the United States, Axios reports.
The reduction in Russian refining capacity has increased pressure on a global energy market where prices were already elevated because of the war with Iran. In the United States, diesel prices have risen above $5 a gallon.
The trend is particularly significant for agriculture, construction and ground transportation—industries in which fuel accounts for a substantial share of costs, the publication notes.
Russian refineries have come under at least 100 attacks since August 2025, according to the International Energy Agency. The campaign has intensified in recent months: at least 10 strikes on refineries were reported in June alone.
“Virtually every major refinery in western Russia has been targeted by drones. The strikes continued throughout June and July, with many refineries attacked repeatedly,” the agency said.
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At the same time, traditional buyers of Russian diesel, including Brazil, are seeking alternative sources of supply and increasingly turning to American producers.
“This overseas demand is helping to push diesel prices still higher for American consumers as well,” Axios notes.
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