Officials in southern Russian city urge residents to avoid driving amid fuel shortage

Sochi officials have called upon residents and visitors to refrain from driving personal vehicles due to a fuel shortage, emphasizing that this step will alleviate pressure on gas stations and hasten a return to regular operations, according to the city administration. Authorities cautioned that should queues form at gas stations, motorists must adhere to traffic regulations.

The city made this appeal following a discussion on the fuel situation. Officials stated that major gas station operators have curtailed fuel dispensing because of logistical challenges, and that certain stations have limited gasoline purchases to individuals due to a resulting rush. Sochi1.ru, a local news outlet, reports that the city has experienced fuel shortages for three consecutive days, resulting in lengthy lines at gas stations and traffic congestion on city streets.

Some tourists have been unable to depart for their homes because of the gasoline scarcity. Russia's fuel crisis has intensified due to Ukrainian attacks on oil facilities. On August 8, Ukrainian drones targeted the Ilsky oil refinery in the Krasnodar region. The fuel crisis peaked in June and early July, with Russian regions implementing various restrictions on gasoline sales, forcing people to stand in lengthy lines at gas stations.

After Ukraine redirected its strikes from refineries to warehouses of the Wildberries marketplace, regions began easing fuel sale restrictions. However, active strikes on refineries have re-emerged in recent days. According to estimates from the outlet 7×7, residents of at least 15 regions have once again encountered lengthy lines and shortages of 92 and 95 octane gasoline at gas stations.