Putin admits Russians may have to get used to a gasoline shortage
Photo: Russian president Vladimir Putin (Getty Images)
Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil refineries have deepened the fuel crisis in the aggressor country. Russian dictator Vladimir Putin has begun urging Russians to prepare for a prolonged gasoline shortage, according to The Moscow Times.
Putin urged Russians to prepare
The dictator admitted that the authorities had failed to prepare for a series of Ukrainian attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure. The result has been a sharp drop in oil product output and the largest fuel crisis in modern history.
"(We) assumed that these were purely civilian facilities, and they could not be targets of any attacks even in conditions of armed conflict. But in this regard, we were mistaken; unfortunately, our adversary thinks otherwise," Putin cynically said.
Also, when asked whether Russians should get used to gasoline shortages, the Kremlin chief replied:
"We must be prepared for anything. Only our readiness will make it clear to everyone who wants to harm us that it is better not to do so."
According to Putin, Russia is allegedly "forced to respond in kind" to strikes on its oil refineries. He believes that this response "turned out to be big."
The dictator also falsely promised that oil companies are already actively protecting their facilities and gradually restoring damaged plants.
"I think we will restore the 10% that remain in the near future," he said.
Russia's air defenses will also be strengthened as long as the "special military operation" continues, Putin assured.
Gasoline shortage in Russia
Gasoline production in Russia fell to approximately 70% of domestic consumption levels at the end of August. Ukrainian drones carried out new strikes on the enemy's oil refineries.
Huge lines for fuel had formed at gas stations in the Yelets district of Russia's Lipetsk region. Many gas stations have no fuel at all.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Russia's current attempts to involve India, China, Kazakhstan or Belarus in securing sufficient fuel supplies a "historic absurdity."
