Russia Expands Fuel Sales Restrictions Amid Supply Crisis

Four more Russian regions—Yakutia, Bashkortostan, Primorsky Krai and Krasnodar Krai—have imposed restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales as the country's fuel shortage continues to worsen.

According to Reuters, fuel sales restrictions have been confirmed in at least 15 to 22 regions. However, Russian media outlet RBC reports that the measures are officially in force in more than 40 regions, including Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine. In Crimea, private vehicles have been barred from refueling since June 21.

In Yakutia and Bashkortostan, motorists are limited to 30 liters of gasoline per vehicle, while the sale of fuel in jerry cans has been banned. In Primorsky Krai, trucks may purchase up to 100 liters in urban areas and 200 liters on highways. In the Slavyansk district of Krasnodar Krai, the limit is 20 liters of gasoline or 60 liters of diesel per vehicle.

On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the fuel shortage, while the State Duma warned residents not to expect gasoline to remain as readily available as in the past.

The crisis has been linked to intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and energy infrastructure. Gasoline production has fallen 25% year over year to about 85,000 metric tons per day, while summer demand is estimated at around 110,000 metric tons per day.

(tasr, bak)