The Kremlin has revealed intentions to import gasoline from other countries, contingent on achieving reasonable prices. Dmitri Peskov, spokesperson for the presidency, stated, “For obvious reasons, we will not discuss this topic. Contacts are ongoing,” when asked about potential countries for fuel imports, according to reports from Interfax and Kommersant.
Peskov elaborated that Russia is in discussions with various nations regarding possible imports of petroleum products. He noted that if agreements on acceptable pricing are reached, it would contribute to stabilizing the market and addressing the sharp increase in demand.
Additionally, reports indicate that the government has extended permissions granted to certain refineries to produce gasoline and diesel that meet Euro-3 standards within the Russian market. Sources have suggested that authorities may also allow for the production of fuel meeting lower standards, down to Euro-2.
Estimates Show Supply Shortage of 15%
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged over the weekend that Russia faces a fuel crisis, exacerbated by intensified Ukrainian drone attacks that have targeted oil refineries, leading several regions to implement unprecedented gasoline rationing. He stated, “Of course, these create problems, it is evident. At this moment we are observing a certain shortage, but it is not critical,” reassuring that measures are being taken.
Putin emphasized that Moscow would attempt to mitigate the crisis by increasing fuel imports while also enhancing efforts to protect refineries from drone strikes and swiftly restore damaged infrastructure. Analysts indicate that Ukrainian drone assaults have reduced Russia’s oil refining capacity by about a quarter, resulting in difficulties for the domestic fuel market to keep pace with demand and creating an estimated 15% supply deficit.
Data from open sources analyzed by The Moscow Times indicates that, as of Thursday, fuel rationing was in effect in at least 56 Russian regions, including Moscow.
Severe Issues in Crimea and Siberia
The situation is most dire in occupied Crimea, where authorities declared a state of emergency last week after repeated Ukrainian attacks disrupted logistical routes and oil infrastructure. In the Irkutsk region, police have been deployed continuously to gas stations to manage long lines and prevent customers from filling canisters, amid an escalating fuel crisis due to the Ukrainian strikes.
This action follows the decision of Igor Kobzev, the governor of the Siberian region, to declare a state of “maximum alert” due to insufficient fuel supplies, as reported by The Kyiv Post. Police officers and units from the Russian National Guard have been sent to control traffic, manage queues, and enforce the ban on filling canisters, as reported by the independent Russian publication The Moscow Times.
“The fuel situation in the city remains tense,” noted Irkutsk’s deputy mayor, Sergei Gavrin, adding that many drivers were trying to stockpile gasoline, thereby slowing the movement of queues. He confirmed that police would maintain a presence at gas stations around the clock to monitor compliance with restrictions.
Authorities have warned that drivers caught attempting to hoard fuel could face hefty fines.
