Russia fuel shortage worsens as long queues, rationing and refinery disruptions pressure transport, farming and domestic petrol supply.
Russia fuel shortage fears have deepened as long queues form at petrol stations and emergency fuel restrictions spread across several regions, foreign media report.
President Vladimir Putin also officially acknowledged in late June, for the first time, that Russia is facing a domestic fuel shortage.
Energy analysts say repeated attacks on Russia’s oil refineries and fuel infrastructure have cut refining capacity by between 25 and 33 percent. As a result, domestic petrol production has fallen by around 17 percent.
Russia Fuel Shortage Hits Several Regions
In response to the crisis, authorities have introduced fuel rationing schemes in several regions. Reports say the situation in Crimea is especially severe.
Officials there have prioritised fuel supplies for the military, emergency services and government operations. Meanwhile, people in other parts of Russia have reportedly waited for hours at fuel stations.
The shortage is also hitting Russia’s agricultural sector hard. With the harvest season approaching, farmers are struggling to secure diesel for agricultural machinery. Warnings indicate this could affect the country’s future food production.
To manage the crisis, the Russian government has temporarily relaxed fuel quality standards. This allows refineries to produce fuel with higher sulfur content until the end of the year.
Despite being one of the world’s major energy exporters, reports further state that Russia has now had to import refined petrol to meet domestic demand.
