[79331] Fuel Crisis Intensifies in Russia and Crimea: Price Surge and Shortages at Stations

Fuel Crisis Intensifies in Russia and Crimea

A wave of price hikes and severe fuel shortages is hitting Russia and, primarily, the Crimean Peninsula. According to the Moscow Fuel Association (MTA), diesel and gasoline (92 and 95) prices have consistently surged over the past week, with private chains like 'Neftemagistral' recording sharp increases of up to 5 rubles per liter. Experts from the MarketTwits channel note that the trend is accompanied by instability in the local energy market.

In Crimea, the situation is even more severe: occupation authorities have imposed strict restrictions on fuel sales. As reported by RBK, the government in Moscow has banned the export of jet fuel until November 30 in an attempt to stabilize the domestic market. Governor Sergey Aksyonov announced that fuel in Crimea will be distributed via a voucher system, and the sale of 92-octane gasoline has been limited to just 20 liters per driver.

Sources critical of the Kremlin, such as NEXTA Live and Bloomberg, claim that the crisis is a direct result of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries, which have caused refining capacity to drop to its lowest level since 2009. Conversely, Kremlin spokespeople, as quoted by RIA Novosti, characterize the shortage as "temporary issues being handled at the highest levels."

On the ground, the distress has led to instances of price gouging. As noted in The Moscow Times, ads on the 'Avito' network have offered fuel at exorbitant prices of 200-350 rubles per liter. While the authorities in Sevastopol, as quoted by Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, claim these are temporary logistical issues, residents report long lines and basic shortages at gas stations across the peninsula.