On June 23, 2023, fuel sales restrictions were enacted in at least 15 regions of Russia due to a significant fuel crisis characterized by shortages of gasoline and diesel. These measures have affected even the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, a major oil-producing area responsible for approximately 40% of Russia’s oil output.
In this region, gas stations operated by Gazpromneft and Lukoil have limited fuel dispensation to 40 liters of gasoline and 80 liters of diesel per vehicle. Similar restrictions have been introduced in Belgorod, Bryansk, Kursk, Tyumen, Novosibirsk, Saratov, Penza, Omsk, Voronezh, Murmansk, and Krasnoyarsk, where authorities cite the need to prevent artificial shortages and manage surging demand.
In Irkutsk, some gas stations have imposed limits, while others have ceased operations entirely. The regional governor, Igor Kobzev, initially acknowledged that the fuel shortage was linked to drone strikes by Ukrainian forces on Russian oil facilities, though he later revised his statement to omit this reference.
In Vladimir Oblast, residents have been urged to reduce car travel, while in North Ossetia, officials have been tasked with creating a reserve of fuel. Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the fuel situation as “complicated but manageable” during a government meeting with President Vladimir Putin, referring to the restrictions as “periodic and understandable logistical issues.”
In the annexed territory of Crimea, fuel sales for private vehicles have effectively halted following an attack on a logistics hub in the Kerch Strait. Additionally, the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia has prohibited the sale of gasoline on online marketplaces.
Contextually, the fuel crisis has been exacerbated by ongoing drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have reportedly caused a loss of about 25% in gasoline production, according to estimates by Reuters. This has led to the lowest levels of oil refining in Russia in over 21 years. In response to the crisis, the Russian government is considering a complete ban on diesel fuel exports and plans to subsidize fuel imports.
Furthermore, the occupying authorities in Crimea have announced new restrictions that will limit gasoline purchases exclusively to representatives of the occupying government.
Fuel sales restrictions have been imposed across multiple regions in Russia due to a significant crisis stemming from supply shortages. The situation has been aggravated by drone strikes on oil facilities, prompting government measures to manage the crisis and prevent artificial shortages.
Source: Radio Free Europe