The situation with the fuel shortage in Russia has spiraled out of control and is no longer a local problem of the southern regions. Interruptions in the supply of gasoline and diesel fuel have covered almost the entire country, affecting regions from the capital area to Siberia and the Far East. The scale of the problem is reported by Russian media and regional Telegram channels.
Refueling Limits in the Far East
In the Irkutsk region, Buryatia, and the Zabaykalsky Krai, which are located more than 5,000 kilometers from Ukraine, gas station networks have introduced strict restrictions. Now, no more than 20 liters of AI-92 gasoline are allowed to be dispensed per refueling. This decision was a reaction to a sharp increase in demand and a lack of resources on the shelves.
Ban on Jerrycans and Disappearance of Fuel
In other regions, measures are being taken even more strictly. In Krasnoyarsk and the Murmansk region, the sale of fuel in jerrycans has been completely banned to prevent hoarding and speculation. In Volgograd, the AI-95 grade has disappeared from "Rosneft" gas stations. The official version is planned repairs, however, local residents claim that there is simply no fuel in stock. In Karelia, individual gas stations have introduced "temporary restrictions" without any public explanation of the reasons.
Rising Prices and Geography of Problems
In addition to the shortage, the population has faced rising prices. In Novosibirsk, the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel rose by 4–8 rubles in a week. Interruptions are recorded throughout the country, although in a less acute form than in the south. Residents of the Kursk, Belgorod, Ryazan, and Orel regions are facing a fuel shortage. Complaints are coming even from Moscow and the Moscow region, as well as from St. Petersburg, Leningrad, Pskov, and Novgorod regions.
Causes of the Crisis
Just a few days ago, fuel sales were temporarily suspended at some gas stations in the Krasnodar Krai due to increased demand and logistics failures. Experts link the current situation to pressure on the Russian oil industry. A reduction in domestic refining volumes, as well as strikes on oil refineries and logistics infrastructure, are forcing Russia to redirect raw materials from export markets to the domestic market, which leads to shortages.