Fuel shortages resurface across Russia despite earlier recovery
Several Russian regions have reintroduced fuel sales restrictions after renewed refinery disruptions and declining supplies at petrol stations.
Fuel shortages have re-emerged across parts of Russia in August, prompting authorities in at least 10 regions to tighten controls on fuel sales as supply pressures return to the domestic market.
Restrictions have been reinstated following a brief period of stabilization at the end of July, as reported by Reuters. The supply disruptions stem from a fuel crisis that began in May and expanded across much of the country during the summer.
The shortages have been linked to refinery outages caused by drone attacks, combined with seasonal increases in fuel demand. In response, Russian authorities introduced measures aimed at boosting domestic availability, including temporary bans on gasoline and diesel exports, lower fuel quality requirements, and imports of petroleum products.
While conditions improved in late July and some regional restrictions were eased, a new wave of drone attacks on oil refineries in late July and early August renewed pressure on fuel supplies.
The Russian government said fuel availability remains challenging in several regions, including Orenburg, Lipetsk, Tver, Krasnodar, Zabaykalsky, Primorsky, Krasnoyarsk, Oryol, Tuva and Khakassia. Energy officials discussed the situation during a government meeting held on Friday.
Market data also points to weaker supply conditions. Sales of gasoline on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange have fallen by an average of 20% since the beginning of August compared with the second half of July, highlighting continued strain in Russia’s fuel market despite government intervention.
