Russia admits fuel shortage in country for first time: in June, officials said everything was fine
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has said there is a fuel shortage on the market, linked to oil refineries having to undergo repairs following Ukrainian drone strikes.
Source: lenta.ru, a Russian media outlet, citing Kremlin-aligned news agency TASS
Details: Novak said it must be acknowledged that there are currently problems and a shortage on the fuel market, which is causing the queues the government is observing.
He also pointed to the unstable operation of petrol stations and stressed that the reasons for this situation are clear, saying it is happening "because oil refineries are partially out of service for repairs".
Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin previously described the current difficulties on the fuel market as temporary, saying what is happening is linked, among other things, to attempts to disrupt the Russian summer vacation season.
On 26 June, Novak also said that fuel volumes in Russia were sufficient to meet domestic market needs.
Background:
- In early June, Novak admitted that Russian oil refining has fallen since the start of 2026 due to "unscheduled repairs" at refineries.
- On 8 July, Russia introduced a full ban on diesel fuel exports and said it plans to start importing fuel.
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