Fuel crisis deepens in Russia: Putin signals possible full ban on diesel exports
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that fuel shortages are affecting several regions of the country, with queues forming at gas stations and some consumers unable to access the fuel they need. Putin said Moscow is now considering a full ban on diesel exports after temporary restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel.
Russia’s fuel supply problems have reached the Kremlin’s agenda. President Vladimir Putin openly admitted that drivers, businesses and the agricultural sector are facing difficulties, saying the country may move to completely halt diesel exports in order to protect the domestic market.
“There are queues at gas stations”
Speaking during a televised meeting, Putin said fuel problems were continuing in different parts of Russia.
“Unfortunately, there are queues at gas stations. People cannot always access the type of fuel they need. Of course, agricultural workers and farmers are also facing difficulties,” he said.
Diesel export ban under review
Putin recalled that Russia had already imposed temporary restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel exports to protect domestic consumers.
He said authorities were now assessing whether a complete ban on diesel fuel exports was necessary.
A working group is also trying to ensure sufficient fuel supplies across the country.
Russia begins using fuel reserves
Putin said Russia had started using its fuel reserves, while adding that stock levels remained close to the same period last year.
He also called for measures to ensure that the agricultural sector has access to enough fuel.
Ukrainian strikes hit refineries
Putin also referred to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian industrial facilities, saying Moscow had to minimize the impact of what he called attacks on civilian targets and infrastructure.
Ukraine has recently targeted Russian energy facilities far from the front line, including the Slavyansk refinery in Krasnodar and an oil facility in the Yaroslavl region.
Crisis reportedly spread from Crimea
According to international reports, the fuel crisis first emerged in Russian-annexed Crimea before spreading to Moscow and other regions.
Ukrainian strikes on bridges, railways and oil terminals in Crimea reportedly disrupted fuel distribution.
Reports also said that several gas stations in Crimea had run dry, while residents waited for hours in fuel queues.
Russia’s Norsi refinery, one of the country’s major facilities, was also reported to have halted operations after drone attacks.
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