In the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, Russia’s main oil-producing region, restrictions on fuel sales have been introduced at some petrol stations.
“In view of the increased demand for petrol and diesel, and in order to prevent artificial shortages, as well as speculation and resale, restrictions on the volume of fuel dispensed have been imposed at a number of petrol stations,” local authorities said.
As reported by Radio Free Europe’s Russian Service, restrictions have been introduced in dozens of Russian regions, and the list continues to grow.
In Moscow, the permit system for petrol tankers has been temporarily suspended “to ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel to petrol stations”. “This temporary measure,” according to the Moscow authorities, is being introduced at the request of the owners of petrol station chains in Moscow and the Moscow region.
“To ensure an uninterrupted supply of fuel to petrol stations, drivers of petrol tankers may enter the city and travel around it 24 hours a day without obtaining a goods permit. Fines will not be imposed on petrol tanker drivers for not having a permit,” the Moscow Transport Department stated.
The authorities in the Bryansk, Kursk and Kurgan regions of the Russian Federation also announced restrictions on the sale of motor fuel the previous evening.
In many Russian regions and in the Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine, a petrol shortage began in June due to Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. In mid-June, fuel prices in Russia began to rise sharply.