The fuel crisis in Russia continues to escalate. Restrictions on gasoline sales have already been introduced in at least 15 regions of the country, Russian authorities are preparing to import fuel from abroad, and in occupied Crimea and Sevastopol a state of emergency has been declared. Against this backdrop, videos of multi-kilometer queues at gas stations and complaints from Russians about fuel shortages are increasingly appearing on social media, reports UNN.
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Fuel restrictions are already in effect in many regions of Russia. In particular, limits or bans on selling gasoline in canisters have been introduced in the Kursk, Bryansk, Belgorod, Samara, Lipetsk regions, the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Adygea, and a number of other regions. At some gas stations, the sale of AI-95 gasoline has been stopped, while at others drivers are allowed to fill only a limited amount of fuel at a time.
As Reuters notes, Russian authorities explain such steps as necessary to prevent panic buying, but the restrictions themselves only increase public excitement. Fearing further deterioration of the situation, Russians are trying to stock up on fuel, which further increases the burden on gas stations.
Problems are already being acknowledged at the state level. The Russian State Duma has approved changes to tax legislation that provide for subsidizing gasoline imports and also allow the production of lower-quality fuel for the domestic market. In addition, Russian authorities are considering a complete ban on diesel fuel exports to increase its supply within the country.
According to Reuters, Russia has been forced to organize maritime imports of gasoline for the first time in many years. India is named as one of the possible suppliers. Such a step is atypical for a country that is among the world's largest exporters of oil and petroleum products.
Experts cite Ukraine's massive strikes on Russian oil refining and logistics infrastructure as the main reason for the shortage. Gasoline production in Russia has fallen by about a quarter compared to the same period last year, while maritime exports of petroleum products have dropped significantly due to the shutdown of a number of refineries after drone attacks.
The most acute situation is observed in occupied Crimea. There, strict restrictions on gasoline sales have been in effect for several weeks, long queues at gas stations are recorded, and authorities are limiting the operation of public transport, shops, cafes, and even street lighting.
The day before, the Russian-appointed "head" of the occupation administration of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, announced the introduction of a regional state of emergency in Crimea and Sevastopol. According to him, this decision is intended to ensure the stable functioning of life support systems and to resolve economic issues more quickly.
Against this backdrop, videos of multi-hour queues at gas stations and complaints from drivers about the inability to purchase gasoline or diesel fuel in the required volume are increasingly spreading on Russian social media. In some regions, Russians report that they are forced to visit several gas stations in search of the necessary type of fuel.
Further developments will depend on the pace of restoration of damaged Russian oil refineries and the effectiveness of measures that the Russian authorities are trying to implement to stabilize the domestic fuel market. At the same time, international analysts point out that the shortage has already become a systemic problem that has engulfed a significant part of Russia's territory.