Fuel shortages in Russia again: at least ten regions have tightened control over sales

In Russia, a second wave of fuel shortages began in August. In at least ten regions, local authorities were forced to tighten control over the sale of gasoline and other types of motor fuel. At some gas stations in the Moscow region, gasoline has again disappeared from sale.

Reuters reports this, citing witnesses and data from the Russian authorities.

Gasoline disappears from gas stations again

According to the agency, some gas stations in the Moscow region were out of gasoline on Monday. At the same time, diesel fuel remained available at most gas stations.

Fuel problems in Russia began to worsen in May, and by July the shortage had spread to a significant part of the country’s regions.

Among the reasons are the shutdown of a number of Russian oil refineries after drone strikes, as well as a seasonal increase in demand for fuel.

Russia Bans Exports and Starts Importing Petroleum Products

To increase fuel volumes on the domestic market, the Russian authorities have imposed a ban on the export of gasoline and diesel fuel.

In addition, the Russian Federation has lowered fuel quality requirements and has begun importing petroleum products.

By the end of July, the situation had been partially stabilized. In a number of regions, restrictions on fuel sales were lifted or eased.

However, in late July and early August, a new wave of drone attacks on Russian refineries occurred, after which supply problems escalated again.

Problems were recorded in at least ten regions

The Russian authorities have acknowledged that the situation with the provision of gas stations remains difficult in a number of regions.

Representatives of energy agencies discussed fuel supply problems in the Orenburg, Lipetsk, Tver and Oryol regions, Krasnodar, Zabaikalsky, Primorsky and Krasnoyarsk territories, as well as in Tuva and Khakassia.

Against this background, videos with large queues of cars at gas stations are appearing on social networks in Moscow, the Moscow region and other regions.

Gasoline sales on the exchange fell by 20%

The problems are also reflected in stock market indicators.

Since the beginning of August, gasoline sales on the St. Petersburg International Commodity Exchange have decreased by an average of 20% compared to the second half of July.

Thus, after a brief stabilization in late July, the Russian fuel market has again faced a deficit, while the Russian authorities are trying to maintain domestic supplies through export restrictions and imports of petroleum products.