In Russia, people are being switched to remote work due to a fuel shortage
In several regions of Russia, authorities are recommending that employers switch their employees to remote work due to an acute fuel shortage. Amid gasoline shortages, hours-long lines are already forming at gas stations, and conflicts among drivers are becoming increasingly common.
Since June, nearly 90% of Russian regions have faced fuel shortages or rationing. One of the main reasons cited is Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and other fuel infrastructure facilities. In the Novosibirsk region, the situation has become so dire that the regional government has recommended that employers allow employees to work from home. This is expected to help reduce car use and lower gasoline consumption.
Similar recommendations were issued to businesses in the Tomsk region. According to local media reports, fuel supply problems there have persisted since late June, and the situation has not yet improved. Back in late June, Irkutsk Mayor Ruslan Bolotov also appealed to business leaders, asking them to consider switching to remote work. In addition, portable restrooms have even been set up near gas stations in the city, as drivers often have to wait several hours for their turn.
Fuel shortages are already having a noticeable impact on daily life. Due to the long lines at gas stations, arguments and fights between drivers are becoming increasingly common. Earlier, the publication “Meduza” reported that conflicts at Russian gas stations have become a common occurrence. Drivers are forced to wait for hours to fill up their cars, and the gasoline shortage only exacerbates the tension.
The system of priority service is also causing additional discontent. While initially priority was given only to government vehicles, officials in some regions later began to be allowed to fill up without waiting in line. In Chita, the list of privileged categories was expanded even further—participants in the war against Ukraine and their family members were also given priority. This sparked outrage among other drivers, who are forced to wait even longer at gas stations.
Experts note that if fuel supply problems persist, Russian regions may continue to impose additional restrictions and shift more employees to remote work. This is intended to reduce the strain on the transportation system and cut down on the consumption of scarce fuel, according to Le Monde.
Russia likely has several scenarios for potential aggression against European countries and NATO’s eastern flank. This view was expressed by Oleksandr Musienko, a Ukrainian Armed Forces officer and military analyst.
