Russia Forces Farmers to Use Fuel 90 Times Dirtier After Ukraine Strikes Destroy Diesel Supply
Russia’s Agriculture Ministry is now offering farms a type of boiler fuel that is 90 times dirtier than the diesel they used last year, following Ukrainian strikes that destroyed the country’s clean diesel supply [201802]. Experts warn the alternative fuel can cut an engine’s lifespan in half, leaving farmers with a difficult choice: use the dirty fuel or risk stopping work entirely [201802].
The move highlights the direct impact of the war on Russia’s domestic agricultural sector. Previously, farms relied on standard diesel for machinery and transport. After Ukrainian attacks targeted fuel infrastructure, Russia lost access to that supply. The replacement fuel, described as significantly more polluting and damaging to equipment, is now being pushed by the ministry as the only available option [201802].
Farmers face immediate operational challenges. The alternative fuel degrades engines rapidly, potentially forcing costly repairs or replacements. Without it, however, agricultural work would halt, threatening food production. The situation underscores how military conflict is disrupting critical supply chains inside Russia itself [201802].