On Sunday, Vladimir Putin openly acknowledged for the first time that there are fuel supply problems in Russia, affecting both citizens and businesses. At an emergency meeting in the Kremlin, to which the heads of the largest energy companies were invited, Putin noted difficulties in purchasing gasoline, long lines at gas stations, and shortages of certain types of fuel.
To address the fuel crisis, which has affected most regions of the country—including about 30 where restrictions are in place at gas stations—Putin announced a ban on the export of gasoline and jet fuel. He also added that large, small, and medium-sized oil refineries have been mobilized to stabilize the situation, and that the possibility of halting diesel fuel exports is being considered.
“Previously stockpiled fuel volumes have been released to the domestic market,” Putin said, noting that the country’s gasoline reserves amount to 1.7 million metric tons. He emphasized that fuel production is expected to exceed June’s figures as early as July, but systemic measures are needed to fully stabilize the market.
Earlier, on June 23, a number of Russian regions announced the introduction of limits on fuel sales. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed this information, noting that shortages exist in more than 60 Russian regions.
