Russian gasoline output plunges to 65% of average after Ukrainian strikes: Sources

Ukrainian drone strikes have crippled Russia's gasoline production, reducing it to about 65% of the average needed for this time of year, according to industry sources and Reuters calculations. The attacks have targeted major oil refineries, including NORSI and Omsk, forcing them to halt operations. This has led to significant daily shortfalls, estimated between 40,000 and 45,000 metric tons, exacerbating a problem during the peak summer driving season.

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It’s to avoid chaos and ensure that drivers are dispersed among the petrol pumps in a normal way.

The situation has caused concern among the public, with long queues forming at some gas stations across Russia. In response, Cossacks have been deployed to maintain order at filling stations, as seen in the Black Sea resort of Anapa. Yuri Komarov, a Cossack helping manage queues, noted that people's buying habits have changed, with many now filling their entire tanks out of fear of shortages, which he described as unhelpful.

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You see, before people used to come to a petrol station and get 10 liters (2.64 gallons), but now they fill up the whole tank, just in case.

To combat the growing fuel scarcity, the Russian energy ministry is considering government proposals that include banning exports of diesel, gasoline, and jet fuel. Russia has also begun importing fuel, with record supplies arriving from Belarus in June and seaborne gasoline imports from India commencing recently. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak acknowledged the complex fuel situation and the public's concern, stating that current measures are being reviewed.

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it is clear that the current situation at filling stations is causing concern among the public.