Gasoline rushed to Nizhny Novgorod ahead of Putin’s visit as Russians wait for hours
Russian leader Vladimir Putin (Photo: Getty Images)
In Nizhny Novgorod, ahead of a visit by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, petrol has appeared at most filling stations - a product that has been in short supply due to the widely reported fuel crisis gripping Russia, according to local Russian Telegram channels.
"Today, on the day of President Vladimir Putin's visit, petrol is available at the majority of city filling stations. Let us recall that the head of state is due to take part in the 'Strong Ideas for a New Era' forum," the Nizhny Novgorod outlet wrote.
It is noted that queues have formed at a number of petrol stations, particularly at Lukoil and Gazprom Neft - the latter, located near the upscale Kvity residential complex, had all fuel grades on sale.
"At several filling stations, the range remains limited. Lukoil on Gagarina Avenue, 232A, is offering only AI-92 and diesel; Gazprom Neft on Yaroshenko Street, 1A — AI-92, AI-95, and diesel," the publication reported.
There are also stations selling only diesel, at 77.50 roubles per litre.
However, some filling stations in the city have not resumed operations — Lukoil on Salganskaya Street, for instance, one Nizhny Novgorod outlet notes.
Fuel crisis in Russia
As is well known, Russia is experiencing a deep fuel crisis stemming from Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refining facilities.
The issue is not merely the suspension of petrol exports to foreign markets, but the need for imports due to a domestic shortage of fuel for its own citizens. Belarus has been among those assisting Russia in this regard.
RBC-Ukraine has reported that petrol production in Russia by late August had fallen to roughly 70% of domestic consumption levels, following a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian refineries.
