Russia's Fuel Crisis Spreads to Central Asia as Drone Strikes Escalate

Russia's Fuel Crisis Spreads to Central Asia as Drone Strikes Escalate By Eurasianet - Jul 02, 2026, 10:00 AM CDT Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, both nearly fully dependent on Russian fuel, are already seeing shortages and price spikes as Moscow restricts exports. Ukrainian drones have now struck a refinery in Bashkortostan, over 800 miles from the front line, as at least 55 Russian regions grapple with fuel shortages. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are hedging their bets: Kazakhstan is eyeing Chinese fuel imports while Uzbekistan Airways has cut Russia-bound flights over jet fuel shortages.