Fuel Shortage Leaves Sochi with Long Lines

The Russian resort city of Sochi is struggling with a fuel shortage. Local authorities have called on residents and tourists to limit their use of private cars to help ease the strain on gas stations, according to the Meduza website.

According to city officials, major gas station operators have imposed limits on fuel sales due to logistical problems. At the same time, some stations have limited the amount of gasoline sold to individual customers due to increased demand.

The problems have persisted for three days. Lines lasting several hours are forming at gas stations, causing traffic jams. The fuel shortage has also complicated matters for tourists, some of whom, according to the website, do not have enough fuel to make the trip home.

Problems with fuel availability have also been emerging in other parts of Russia in recent months. According to available information, the situation has been exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil infrastructure. For example, on 8 August, drones struck the Ilsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai.

According to Russian media, residents in at least 15 Russian regions are currently facing lines lasting several hours and shortages of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline.

(mja)