The Kremlin has issued guidelines on how to report on the gasoline shortage

The Office of the President of the Russian Federation has sent special “recommendations” to state-run and pro-government media outlets regarding how exactly they should report on the fuel shortage in the country. 

According to the instructions received, journalists are to emphasize that the Russian leadership is in full control of the situation and is working daily to stabilize the market. Reports must mention the June 23 meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, during which an action plan was developed to ensure the stability of the fuel market, as well as the directive to the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to continuously monitor prices. 

A separate point in the Kremlin’s guidelines stipulates the requirement to illustrate news stories exclusively with photographs and video footage showing gas stations operating normally, with absolutely no lines of cars.

This was reported by the independent publication Meduza, citing sources in pro-government media outlets. 

The fuel crisis in Russia is intensifying: gasoline is running out at gas stations and lines are growing.

Russia has allowed the use of lower-quality gasoline due to the fuel crisis.