The situation in the Russian fuel market has intensified: the largest oil company, 'Tatneft', has introduced restrictions on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel at all its gas stations across the country. Queues of cars forced to refuel under these limits have become a new reality for drivers.
Limits and payment issues
Information about the introduction of restrictions came from the company's hotline operator. According to the employee, strict quotas on the amount of fuel dispensed are now in effect at many gas stations. Furthermore, the payment mechanism has changed: at a number of stations, terminals have stopped accepting bank cards, and refueling is possible exclusively with cash.
Andrey Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, confirmed that the restrictions are universal and apply throughout the territory of the Russian Federation. The company states that the measures are temporary, although the timeline for their cancellation has not yet been announced.
Causes: strikes on infrastructure
Events are unfolding against the backdrop of an escalating situation regarding fuel facilities. Earlier, Ukrainian drones struck the Moscow Oil Refinery in the Kapotnya district. This enterprise is key to the capital, providing about 35% of Moscow's fuel market needs.
The General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces revealed details of the attack's consequences. The primary oil processing unit, ELOU AVT-6, was damaged, leading to a major fire on the plant's territory. Experts link Tatneft's introduction of restrictions to the need to redistribute resources and logistics following such incidents.
Political context
Andrey Kovalenko commented on the situation in harsh terms, calling it a 'result of the adventure' of the Russian leadership. In his opinion, the deterioration of the quality of life for Russians is a just consequence of the state's actions.
At the same time, at the diplomatic level, calls to strengthen Ukraine's positions continue. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy previously appealed to the European Union to accelerate the process of Ukraine's accession to the bloc, calling it one of the most effective responses to constant attacks from Russia.