Russia Restricts Moscow Fuel Sales in 30 Regions as Ukrainian Strikes Hit Refineries
Updated
Updated · DW (English) · Aug 23
Russia Restricts Moscow Fuel Sales in 30 Regions as Ukrainian Strikes Hit Refineries
2 articles · Updated · DW (English) · Aug 23
Summary
At least 30 Russian regions are now affected by a renewed fuel crisis, with Gazprom Neft and Tatneft limiting sales in Moscow and nearby areas after Ukrainian refinery strikes.
Hours-long queues have formed in Krasnodar and Sochi, while taxi, courier and construction businesses report disruptions as fuel shortages spread through supply chains.
Russian officials say supplies could normalize within two to three weeks, but exiled economists argue damaged refineries remain vulnerable and imports cannot cover roughly 200,000 tonnes of daily gasoline and diesel demand.
Fuel quality has also deteriorated, according to critics and motorists, with reports of engine damage and long waits for repairs and parts even in Moscow.
The shortages deepen a squeeze already acknowledged by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and, analysts say, could threaten rail freight, food deliveries and broader economic stability if refinery outages persist.