Russia Rations Fuel as Refinery Strikes Disrupt Supply

Russian authorities are rerouting fuel supplies from the remote Urals and Siberia, increasing imports from Belarus and even purchasing gasoline from India to prevent shortages at filling stations in the Moscow region.

The measures come in response to nationwide supply disruptions caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have affected regions spanning eleven time zones since May. By early July, gasoline production had fallen to just 65% of average seasonal consumption.

Although the situation in the Moscow metropolitan area, home to around 22 million people, had largely stabilized by mid-July following the June attack on a refinery in the capital, annexed Crimea continues to bear the brunt of the shortages. Facing a critical lack of fuel, authorities on the peninsula have introduced rationing, restricted the operating hours of some businesses and suspended children's recreational activities.

According to the TASS news agency, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the domestic fuel market is gradually stabilizing due to a temporary ban on petroleum product exports, increased imports and adjustments to scheduled refinery maintenance. He added that retail restrictions are being lifted in many areas and queues at filling stations are shortening.

At the same time, Novak acknowledged that the situation remains difficult in several regions. In response, government agencies and oil companies are manually directing fuel supplies to prioritize the harvest and ensure deliveries to Russia's remote northern territories.

(Reuters, Max)