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Russia runs out of petrol at seven in 10 stations as fuel crisis worsens
Euronews.com • • world
Key Points:
- Petrol availability in Russia has dropped to 28% of filling stations nationwide, with Moscow experiencing queues for the first time amid a second wave of fuel shortages worsened by sustained drone attacks on oil infrastructure.
- Fuel restrictions such as volume limits, QR-based rationing, and odd-even number plate schemes are now widespread, with major companies like Gazprom Neft and Tatneft imposing strict caps on fuel purchases.
- Russian refineries have been heavily damaged by Ukrainian drone strikes, reducing daily petrol output by about 35% compared to summer demand, with damaged refineries accounting for 54% of national refining capacity.
- Despite banning exports and increasing imports from Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, Russia faces supply issues due to price disputes and scheduled refinery maintenance, exacerbating the shortage.
- Retail fuel prices have surged, prompting government price controls and the reintroduction of lower-grade, higher-polluting petrol; authorities are also cracking down on public complaints about the crisis.
