Russia's Oil Company Rations Fuel at Gas Stations
Moscow – Thanks to its immense oil reserves, Russia has its hand on the fuel tap. However, Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin is increasingly having difficulty monetizing his liquid mineral resource due to sanctions resulting from his war in Ukraine. That distribution within his own empire is also fraught with considerable difficulties seems paradoxical at first glance.
Now, however, the French news agency Agence France-Presse (AFP) reports that the Russian oil company Tatneft has introduced caps on fuel sales at its gas stations. Customer service confirmed by phone that motorists may temporarily fill up with a maximum of "30 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per person." This regulation applies to all approximately 800 Tatneft stations. The source gave no reason for this.
Russia Lacks Gasoline: Government Cites Ukrainian Airstrikes on Oil Refineries
It is likely a response to Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries in Russia, with which Kyiv aims to further complicate the ongoing invasion since 2022. In recent weeks, reports of strikes on oil production facilities have increased. Footage of long queues of cars at gas stations went around the world. In Crimea, Russia has been struggling with fuel shortages for weeks.
On June 8, the Russian Energy Ministry issued a statement on Telegram stating that companies in the energy and fuel sector are increasingly facing hostile airstrikes. In several southern regions, fuel supply has been temporarily disrupted. A working group was formed to ensure stable and efficient operation.
A week later, the channel emphasized that the agricultural sector would be supplied with the required fuel quantities. The focus was on "supplying Crimea, the reunited regions, and the border areas."
Russian Oil Companies Ration Fuel at Gas Stations: Moscow and St. Petersburg Affected
According to a Tatneft customer service employee, it is unclear how long the restrictions at the pumps will last. Customers were also advised to pay in cash due to problems with electronic payment methods.
Tatneft is not alone in intervening in the market. The independent Russian medium Novaya Gazeta Europe reports on Telegram, citing various Russian media, further cases. Fuel sales are limited in Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Tatarstan – precisely where Ukrainian drones are operating. At Rosneft stations in the capital, only up to 90 liters per tank or canister are dispensed; Lukoil sets the limit at 100 liters of gasoline or diesel.
Ukraine Attacks Russia: Oil Refinery Near Moscow Hit in Airstrike
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on X about another airstrike, documented on videos showing the approaching drone, the detonation, and a subsequent fireball, saying: "This time, the Moscow region feels the reach of Ukraine's long-range capabilities. An oil refinery was hit at a distance of 500 kilometers." He called it "a fair response to Russian attacks" and aimed at building pressure on Russia to end the war.
The Ministry of Defense wrote on X that it was a Moscow oil refinery used as a central crude oil processing facility. There, more than twelve million tons of oil are processed annually, supplying airports around the capital.
Putin is thus increasingly confronted with the fact that not only is his so-called special operation not achieving its stated goal, but his state apparatus also fails to protect its own territory. The latter is being felt more painfully by the people in Russia. The shadow of war is lengthening in the aggressor's country. (Sources: AFP, Telegram, X) (mg)
