Sorry to run short when fuel is distributed (6)

I believe the answer is:

rueful

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'sorry' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'run short when fuel is distributed' is the wordplay.
'run short when' becomes 'ru' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'is distributed' indicates anagramming the letters.
'fuel' anagrammed gives 'eful'.
'ru'+'eful'='RUEFUL'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for rueful that I've seen before include "Melancholy" , "Full of regret" , "Expressing wry regret" , "Apologetic" , "Penitent" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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