Russia is experiencing a severe fuel crisis, with almost all of its 83 regions facing gasoline shortages or disruptions to supply. The crisis, which began in Russian-controlled Crimea, has now spread across Russia’s 11 time zones.

Causes of the Crisis

The Ukrainian drone attacks targeting Russian refineries have significantly reduced gasoline production, with estimates suggesting a 20% decrease in domestic demand. The attacks have also led to a state of heightened alert in several regions, including Irkutsk and the Transbaikal region.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged the crisis, stating that the most urgent task is to rapidly increase production of air defense systems. Experts believe that the situation is much worse than previous fuel shortages, with the scale and persistence of the attacks being the key difference.

Impact on the Public

The fuel crisis has led to long lines at gas stations, with some drivers waiting for hours to fill up. Authorities have imposed rationing, and some regions have banned the use of large canisters to prevent fuel hoarding. The crisis has also led to a rise in black market sales, with police cracking down on those reselling gas at inflated prices.

The situation has caused anxiety among the Russian population, with some expressing frustration and desperation. The governor of Leningrad region has urged citizens not to panic, while experts believe that Russia’s options to deal with the crisis are narrowing.

Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.