Russian authorities are downplaying the fuel shortage following attacks on energy infrastructure
Russia is trying to mitigate the effects of rising gasoline prices and fuel shortages, which are partly attributed to Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Analysts note that, despite official denials by Russian authorities, fuel shortages and rising prices are being reported in a number of regions.
According to the St. Petersburg-based publication Fontanka, gasoline shortages and price hikes are being observed even in cities that previously had no shortages, including St. Petersburg, Voronezh, and Tula.
Journalists also report that some independent gas station chains are raising prices in an effort to avoid losses, while demand for fuel is rising.
The ISW emphasizes that regional authorities in Russia are attempting to alleviate the situation through administrative measures. Specifically:
- in the Saratov region, officials discussed the possibility of imposing price caps at gas stations;
- in the Tver Region, temporary restrictions on gasoline sales at certain gas stations have been introduced;
- in the Tula region, fuel shortages have already been reported at some gas stations due to logistical problems and increased demand.
ISW analysts note that these steps have not yet had a tangible effect, and the situation in Russia’s energy sector remains unstable.
In their view, further Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure could continue to exacerbate the fuel shortage and make it more difficult to stabilize the situation in the short term.
This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Earlier, residents of several districts in the Moscow region of the aggressor country reported serious disruptions in the supply of automotive gasoline, long lines at gas stations, and a sharp reduction in the variety of fuels available.
A Russian citizen who lived in the temporarily occupied Crimea announced her decision to return to Moscow due to the deteriorating situation on the peninsula.
