[97345] Fuel crisis intensifies in Russia: fueling restrictions in more than 50 regions and severe disruptions in the Crimean Peninsula

Unprecedented fuel crisis in Russia: fueling restrictions and energy disruptions

Russia is facing a large-scale fuel crisis extending across dozens of regions. According to data reported by Medusa — LIVE and РБК. Новости. Главное, official restrictions on fuel sales have been imposed in 16 regions, with additional estimates indicating difficulties in more than 50 regions. In Crimea and Sevastopol, fuel sales to civilians have been completely halted, except for emergency services, according to ТАСС.

The crisis is attributed to a decrease of approximately 25% in Russian gasoline production due to drone attacks on oil refineries (NPZ), according to sources cited by Reuters. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak admitted in a discussion with Putin that the situation is "not simple but under control," and noted that the government is considering a total ban on diesel exports (Операция Z: Военкоры Русской Весны). While official figures, such as Vologda Region Governor Georgy Filimonov, claim there is no shortage (Осторожно, новости), drivers across Russia are reporting long queues and limits of 30-40 liters per fueling (Прямой Эфир • Новости).

At the same time, the Crimean Peninsula is experiencing severe disruptions in electricity and fuel supplies. According to Крымский ветер, attacks against energy infrastructure, including a power plant in Kerch, have left entire districts without electricity. Meanwhile, the occupation authorities in Crimea ordered the suspension of all children's sports activities and the cancellation of summer camps until September 1 (Новая газета Европа), raising concerns among the population regarding the stability of Russian control in the region.

Public panic is well-reflected on the Russian web. According to Медуза — LIVE, the number of Google and Yandex searches for "how to siphon gasoline" has jumped tenfold in the last three months. Conversely, officials are trying to calm the public. Kaluga Mayor Dmitry Denisov called the attempts of residents to hoard fuel a "completely useless activity" after he himself failed to refuel (Mash).

The economic situation is even more complex due to the market response. The Bell noted that the Russian stock market is experiencing its sharpest declines in the last three years, with "Gazprom" stock falling to a 2008 low. Analysts warn that without a root solution to the refinery problem, the Russian economy could fall into a deeper recession with severe inflationary consequences on the prices of food and services.