Russia Faces Fuel Crisis: Restrictions in Every Fourth Region
Russia is experiencing a worsening fuel shortage, with trade restrictions now in place in every fourth region, including the major oil-producing Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area. The crisis has also hit occupied Ukrainian territories.
Russian propagandists, who just a few years ago mocked Europe by predicting a fuel crisis and suggesting people switch to horses, are now facing similar problems at home. Fuel shortages have become a reality in Russia itself.
Currently, fuel trade restrictions are in effect in every fourth Russian region. Sales limits have been imposed both in the western border areas, including Bryansk and Kursk regions, and in inland regions. Significantly, restrictions have reached the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area – Yugra, which produces about 40% of the country's oil and is one of its key oil extraction regions.
The situation is even worse in the occupied Ukrainian territories. In Crimea and Sevastopol, fuel sales have been completely halted at some periods, while in the occupied Luhansk region, rationing has been introduced, limiting purchases to no more than 20 liters per customer.
Analysts attribute the fuel deficit to the impact of international sanctions, which complicate equipment repairs, logistical disruptions, increased military consumption, and regular drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which have significantly reduced production capacity.
