Ukrnafta is installing sand barriers and concrete shelters while arranging backup generators and fuel imports. The company expects demand to rise by 10 to 15 percent.
Ukrainian fuel retailers are adding sand-filled blast barriers and concrete shelters at filling stations as Russian attacks target fuel infrastructure in major cities. State-owned Ukrnafta says it is preparing its facilities for winter and an expected rise in demand.
Lesya Zharska, who directs Ukrnafta’s station network, said at least six of the company’s Kyiv filling stations had been hit in recent weeks. Energy Minister Denys Shmyhal has said Russia destroyed more than 300 stations in the past six months. The company says some damaged sites can be restored within days.
Ukrnafta operates about 36 of its 660 stations in Kyiv. To reduce risks in populated areas, it has installed gabions—wire-mesh structures filled with sand—and plans to use them in other cities. During air-raid alerts, stations stop operating, customers are asked to leave and staff go to shelters, Zharska said.
The company has also equipped its network with backup diesel generators and contracted fuel imports to prevent supply gaps. Ukrnafta expects demand could rise by 10 to 15 percent this winter, but says the measures should help it keep stations operating.
Russian strikes have targeted fuel facilities in Kyiv, Dnipro and Kharkiv. As attacks continue, Ukrainian authorities and retailers are preparing for possible renewed pressure on energy infrastructure as colder weather approaches.