Second wave of fuel shortages rolls over Russia

Fuel shortages have expanded across Russia due to renewed drone strikes on oil refineries and logistics centers, according to an Aug. 11 report by The Moscow Times. Restrictions on gasoline sales, which eased in July, were recently extended to 16 regions. In Achinsk district of Krasnoyarsk Krai, 13 of 47 gas stations are closed, with only 16 stations offering various fuel grades.

Bashkortostan banned gasoline sales in jerrycans and other containers following multiple drone attacks on a large petrochemical complex in Ufa. Three districts in Saratov region are in the "red zone" for fuel supplies, with seven of Sterlitamak's 26 gas stations out of operation. Lawmakers in Saratov reported fuel shortages, with some emergency service pumps being used by private motorists.

Lipetsk Oblast Governor Igor Artamonov warned of strained fuel conditions, advising residents to limit trips and avoid filling tanks fully. Sochi administration urged residents and tourists to use public transport, noting gas is available at about two-thirds of city stations. Reports of fuel rationing have emerged in Krasnodar Krai, Primorsky Krai, Kaluga, Rostov, Tambov, Tula, Saratov, Penza, Voronezh, Ryazan, Ulyanovsk, and Smolensk oblasts since early August.