"We are currently experiencing an energy shock for two reasons: due to the conflict in Ukraine, because Ukraine has decided that it wants to undermine Russian energy facilities," Bessent said on Fox.
According to him, it is these attacks that are contributing to the rise in fuel prices on the global market.
Since the beginning of 2026, Kiev has significantly intensified its campaign of long-range strikes on refineries and oil processing facilities in Russia. The goal is to reduce Moscow's export revenues and create domestic fuel shortages. The results are already visible. In Russia itself, a number of regions are experiencing shortages and queues at gas stations. Moscow is restricting or banning exports of gasoline, diesel, and aviation kerosene. On the global market, this is leading to supply tensions, particularly for diesel fuel. Experts note that the consequences are being felt even in the United States — diesel prices there have already exceeded $5 per gallon.
Bessent, in essence, acknowledged what previously only analysts were willing to say: strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have a boomerang effect and hit the wallets of consumers around the world, including Ukraine's allies.
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