In the Russian region of Tatarstan, fuel producers have introduced sales limits at select gas stations, a measure aimed at preventing artificial shortages and ensuring stability in the market, according to a government press release.
Tatarstan ranks second in Russia for oil production, following the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and is among the top five regions for oil refining. The republic hosts several major oil refineries.
On June 12, Ukrainian armed forces reported successful drone strikes targeting the TANEC and TAIF-NK oil refineries in Nizhnekamsk. These attacks are part of a broader strategy by Ukrainian military to disrupt Russian oil infrastructure.
Reports from late May indicated that nearly all major refineries in central Russia had been forced to halt or reduce production due to drone strikes. This has contributed to a growing fuel shortage across various regions.
Residents in Belgorod, Ryazan, and Krasnodar, among others, have expressed concerns over fuel shortages, prompting authorities in many areas to implement restrictions on fuel sales. Notably, limits on gasoline sales have also been reported at major gas station networks in Moscow.
The introduction of fuel sales limits in Tatarstan reflects ongoing challenges in the Russian oil sector, exacerbated by Ukrainian military actions targeting key infrastructure. This situation has led to fuel shortages in various regions of Russia, prompting government interventions.