Putin calls Russia's gasoline shortage 'certain inconveniences' as 63 regions restrict sales
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Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged gasoline shortages across 63 regions as 'certain inconveniences' on August 23. Restrictions on fuel sales remain in place, with local disruptions or price increases reported in 19 additional regions. The shortages follow Ukrainian drone strikes on at least nine Russian refineries in early August.
Key Facts
- Gasoline sales restrictions remain in effect in 63 Russian regions as of August 23.
- Local fuel disruptions or price increases were reported in 19 additional regions, according to BenZinMap data.
- At least nine Russian refineries with combined capacity of 145 million tonnes per year were attacked in the first half of August.
- At least four refineries halted operations after the strikes, and Rystad estimates current refining volumes are one-third below seasonal norms.
- Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak reported a second phase of tension on Russia's fuel market.
Putin's Response
President Vladimir Putin acknowledged the gasoline shortage as 'certain inconveniences' during remarks on August 23. He stated that authorities have not yet resolved all issues but that a special commission is already working. Putin assigned responsibility for monitoring the situation to the cabinet of Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The president emphasized that the government must keep the situation under control.
Refinery Strikes
The fuel shortages intensified after a new series of Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. At least nine refineries were attacked in the first half of August, with combined capacity of 145 million tonnes per year. At least four refineries stopped operations following the strikes. Rystad Energy estimates that current refining volumes are one-third below the seasonal norm.
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