Fuel Shortage in Russia: Multiple Regions Impose Sales Caps, Crimea Halts All Sales.

Restrictions on Fuel Sales Across Russia

According to Espreso.tv: In response to a growing fuel shortage, several Russian regions have introduced limits on gasoline and diesel purchases. Governors in various areas are setting maximum volumes for fuel sales, while Crimea has completely suspended all fuel sales. These measures aim to prevent artificial panic at gas stations and reduce speculative demand.

Details of the Restrictions

On June 21, the governors of Bryansk, Kursk, Voronezh, and Belgorod regions announced that fuel would be sold 'only into the tank.' Similar steps were taken in the Kurgan region, where a 40-liter cap on gasoline was also imposed. Omsk region Governor Viktor Khotsenko limited gasoline to 40 liters and diesel to 80 liters. In the Saratov region, gasoline sales to individuals were restricted to 30 liters per vehicle until June 30.

• Irkutsk region
• Omsk region
• Tomsk region
• Novosibirsk region
• Tyumen region
• Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug
• Penza region
• Samara region
• Tambov region
• Saratov region
• Stavropol region
• Republic of Mordovia
• Republic of Chuvashia

Irkutsk region head Igor Kobzev announced a shift to manual operation mode due to the new restrictions.

In Crimea, fuel sales were completely halted on June 21 for both cash and cashless payments. According to Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov,

“Russian authorities are working to minimize the consequences of Ukrainian strikes on Crimea and ensure fuel supplies to the population there.”

To curb speculative demand, regional governors are attempting to prevent unwarranted panic.

“This is a forced measure to reduce unjustified hysteria and potential speculation in the fuel market,”

On June 22, traffic across the Kerch Bridge was temporarily suspended, which could further impact fuel supply in the region.

These fuel sales restrictions in Russia are a response to an escalating shortage driven by multiple factors, including the fallout from military operations and economic challenges. The halt in fuel sales in Crimea and limits in other regions could significantly affect transportation infrastructure and daily life for locals, as access to fuel is critical for many economic activities. Future developments will likely depend on stabilizing supply chains and any additional government measures.