Russia Deploys Cossacks as Fuel Shortages Grow

Russian authorities have deployed Cossacks to gas stations in the Black Sea resort of Anapa to maintain order as fuel shortages worsen. The crisis has been exacerbated by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries.

According to two industry sources, the NORSI refinery – Russia’s fourth-largest and the country’s second-largest gasoline producer – halted oil processing after Thursday's drone attack. As a result, Russia has begun importing gasoline from as far away as India.

Long queues have formed at gas stations across parts of the country. Communist Party MP Vyacheslav Markhayev said people in the far eastern Zabaikalsky region are waiting up to 36 hours to buy just 15 liters of gasoline. He criticized the government for failing to resolve the crisis.

MP Nina Ostanina also challeneged Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak’s assertion that the domestic fuel market was adequately supplied.

President Vladimir Putin acknowledged on 28 June that supply disruptions had caused fuel shortages in several regions and said a special task force had been established to address the problem.

In Anapa, Cossacks have been deployed to regulate traffic, prevent disputes and ensure drivers wait their turn. Motorists are limited to purchasing a maximum of 20 liters of gasoline per vehicle.

In the southern Krasnodar region, police detained two men suspected of reselling 1,000 liters of gasoline at inflated prices. Meanwhile, the Russian government has temporarily authorized the production of gasoline and diesel with higher sulfur content in an effort to ease the shortage.

(Reuters, bak)