Against the backdrop of an unprecedented number of strikes on Russia's oil refining industry, restrictions on the sale of automotive fuel have begun to be introduced in Moscow and the Moscow region. Car owners are facing new rules: now, no more than 60 liters of gasoline can be purchased at one gas station.
Limits at gas stations and comparison with Crimea
Information about the introduction of restrictions came from Russian Telegram channels, in particular, from the VChK-OGPU community. Announcements appeared at gas stations in New Moscow notifying drivers of temporary measures. According to the data, one buyer is now allowed to purchase no more than 60 liters of fuel.
This limit is significantly softer than those in force in other regions. For comparison, a limit of 20 liters per person was previously introduced in occupied Crimea. However, even the Moscow norms indicate the beginning of a shortage.
Diesel under attack: new rules and reasons
The problems have affected not only gasoline. The Moscow Times reports that individual gas stations have limited the sale of diesel fuel to 100 liters per customer. Messages emphasize that such rules will be in effect "until further notice," indicating the instability of the situation and the possible tightening of restrictions in the future.
The reason for the introduction of limits was an acute fuel shortage that arose after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refining facilities. The situation is so critical that Russia was forced to ban gasoline exports to ensure the domestic market.
Record attacks and production drop
According to Bloomberg, over the last month, Ukraine has carried out 16 attacks on Russian oil refineries. This is a record figure since the start of the full-scale war. Not only refineries but also oil pipelines, oil depots, and port infrastructure involved in the export of oil products have come under attack.
The consequences of the attacks are already reflected in production statistics. Reuters reported that diesel fuel production in Russia has declined for the second month in a row. According to the agency, in May, diesel output volumes decreased by approximately 10% compared to April.
Economic crisis in the industry
The situation is exacerbated by economic factors. The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine stated that the sale of gasoline in the domestic Russian market is becoming less profitable for gas station operators. Experts link this to rising costs, logistical problems, sanctions pressure, and the priority of oil product exports, which was previously more profitable than domestic sales.