Russian Government Admits Fuel Shortages and Gas Station Queues

Russia has acknowledged significant fuel shortages and visible queues at gas stations across the country, a situation previously blamed on panic buying rather than supply issues.

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We must recognize that there are problems and there is a deficit, which is why we observe queues. Sometimes gas stations do not operate stably. The deficit is due to understandable reasons, because refineries stop functioning partially due to Ukrainian drone attacks.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that the deficit is due to "understandable reasons," specifically citing Ukrainian drone attacks that have led to partial refinery shutdowns. "We must recognize that there are problems and there is a deficit, which is why we observe queues. Sometimes gas stations do not operate stably," Novak told Russian media, as reported by TASS.

However, Novak also asserted that Russia possesses ample production capacity to meet demand, stating, "In general, we are fully supplied. And we even export." He added that major hydrocarbon producers are maintaining prices at inflation levels to control fuel costs.

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In general, we are fully supplied. And we even export.

Previously, Russian authorities resisted admitting a crisis, attributing increased demand to consumer panic, which they estimated at 20-30%. The government recently banned gasoline and diesel exports and is considering importing hydrocarbons to alleviate the situation. International media reports suggest the fuel crisis, exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on refineries, has impacted about a third of Russia's 145 million population.

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Our main hydrocarbon producers maintain prices at the level of inflation.