Russian state media reports that fuel shortages have hit several areas in the far East and Crimea following increased long-range Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries.
In Primorye, which borders North Korea, long lines have formed at local gas stations. Prices have risen to approximately 78 rubles (almost 1 USD) per liter, compared to an average monthly salary in the region of about 1,200 USD. Some drivers are even reselling gas online for over 2.7 USD per liter, according to local news site Primpress.
Wholesale prices for A95 gasoline at the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange hit a record high last week, up 50% from January. This surge was driven by increased demand from farmers needing fuel for harvesting equipment and summer road trips.
In the Kurilsky district of the Kuril Islands, a shortage of A92 gasoline forced local authorities to halt sales on 25/8. Some companies in Crimea are only selling fuel to those with coupons or special cards.
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A gas station in Moscow, Russia on 25/8. Photo: AP |
A gas station in Moscow, Russia on 25/8. Photo: AP
Rising gas prices in late summer are not unusual in Russia. However, the current shortages are exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
"Ukrainians are attacking a whole arc of refineries from Ryazan, just south of Moscow, all the way to Volgograd. That’s a major Russian oil-producing region and quite densely populated," said Sergey Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center.
From 2-24/8, Ukraine attacked Russian oil infrastructure at least 12 times. At least 10 of these targeted locations within the Ryazan-Volgograd arc in southwestern Russia.
Vakulenko said the attacks have damaged, but not destroyed, refineries. He added that most facilities have robust fire protection.
However, the attacks can disrupt refining operations, reducing the output of crude oil used for gasoline production by approximately 200,000-250,000 barrels per day, according to Gary Peach, an oil market analyst at Energy Intelligence. He added that gasoline production fell 8.6% in the first 19 days of August compared to the same period last year, while diesel production dropped 10.3%.
A fire believed to be at the Unecha pumping station in Russia’s Bryansk region, in footage released on 22/8. Video: Robert Brovdi
To mitigate the fuel shortage, Russia temporarily halted gasoline exports on 28/7. The Ministry of Energy is expected to maintain this measure until September. The Russian government summoned oil company executives this month to discuss the fuel shortages.
Observers expect the fuel shortages to ease by the end of September, as demand decreases and refineries complete maintenance and repairs.
Thuy Lam (AP)
