Russia's worsening fuel crisis has driven gasoline and diesel prices at some independent filling stations above 100 roubles ($1.27) per litre for the first time, according to sources at retail fuel chains, The Caspian Post reports, citing Reuters.

The unprecedented increase comes amid fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have caused a sharp rise in spot gasoline and diesel prices.

Escalating strikes on Russia's energy infrastructure have led to fuel restrictions across large parts of the country, with particularly severe limitations reported in southern Russia, Siberia, and throughout Russian-controlled territories of Ukraine.

According to industry sources, independent fuel retailers came close to the 100-rouble threshold two weeks ago but initially refrained from exceeding it because their pricing systems were not configured to display three-digit prices on station boards. However, by the end of June, deteriorating market conditions forced these stations to update their systems, enabling them to sell gasoline and diesel at prices ranging from 120 to 140 roubles per litre.

In contrast, prices at filling stations operated by vertically integrated oil companies have remained largely unchanged from pre-crisis levels. AI-92 gasoline is currently sold for around 63-66 roubles per litre, while AI-95 is priced at approximately 70-73 roubles per litre.

Traders said these major oil companies continue to comply with an informal agreement with regulators aimed at keeping fuel price increases in line with inflation. However, the growing disparity in fuel prices has resulted in rapid sellouts at oil-company filling stations, forcing some outlets to suspend operations until new supplies arrive.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Ukraine's drone attacks had contributed to fuel shortages but stated that authorities were taking measures to address the situation.

According to estimates by industry specialists, Russia's gasoline production has remained below domestic consumption levels since May, while diesel production has roughly matched consumption.

Industry sources said that demand in the wholesale market significantly exceeds supply, with most purchase requests remaining unfulfilled. Sales volumes of wholesale AI-92 gasoline and diesel fuel on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) have fallen to less than half of their levels recorded in June 2025, while AI-95 trading volumes have declined by approximately one-third.

Supply constraints have been exacerbated by logistical delays. Exchange participants reported that sellers have routinely postponed deliveries, with delays of one to two months becoming increasingly common.

Traders also noted that spot fuel supplies remain available only at depots holding wholesale volumes previously purchased on the exchange or stockpiled during the winter months. The price of these small wholesale batches, available for immediate loading into road tankers, is currently double the average wholesale price quoted on SPIMEX.