Gasoline Woes: Russia-Ukraine Tensions Fuel Shortages
Regions in Russia and territories under its control in Ukraine face gasoline shortages due to attacks on oil refineries and high seasonal demand. A Russian ban on gasoline exports and logistical challenges exacerbate the problem, notably in Primorye and Crimea, affecting motorists and local economies.
Gasoline shortages are affecting various regions in Russia and the territories it controls in Ukraine, sparked by intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries this month and a spike in seasonal fuel demand. Despite Russia's gasoline export ban implemented on July 28, aimed at curbing shortages during peak summer demand and the grain harvest, analysts believe it won't fully prevent a fuel crisis.
Compounding the issue are logistical hurdles, depleted stockpiles, and ongoing refinery repairs. From August, Ukraine has targeted several Russian refineries, including those in Novokuibyshevsk, Syzran, Ryazan, and Volgograd, as retaliation against Moscow's missile and drone assaults.
In Russia's Primorye region, extensive queues of motorists seeking gasoline have been reported, attributed partly to an influx of tourists. The oil firm NNK claims many of its transports are ensnared in lengthy traffic jams due to road maintenance work. In Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, regional leader Sergei Aksyonov admitted fuel issues could persist for another month amid enduring geopolitical tensions.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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