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Second wave of fuel shortages at gas stations sweeps across Russia
NBC News • • world
Key Points:
- Fuel shortages have re-emerged in at least 10 regions of Russia in August, leading local authorities to tighten controls on motor fuel sales at petrol stations.
- Gasoline was reportedly unavailable at some stations in the Moscow region, although diesel remained widely available.
- The fuel crisis, which began in May due to refinery shutdowns from drone attacks and increased seasonal demand, had temporarily stabilized by late July but worsened again following new drone attacks in late July and early August.
- In response, the Russian government imposed export bans on gasoline and diesel, lowered fuel quality standards, and started importing petroleum products to boost domestic supply.
- Fuel sales have declined by about 20% at the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange since early August compared to late July, reflecting ongoing supply difficulties.
