St. Petersburg caps fuel sales, allowing just one canister per customer
Photo: Gas station in Russia (Getty Images)
Russia's Leningrad region has decided to introduce a uniform fuel sales limit at gas stations. Drivers will be allowed to purchase no more than 30 liters per visit, according to The Moscow Times.
The decision was made amid a difficult fuel situation in the region. According to Leningrad region Governor Alexander Drozdenko, the situation remains difficult, but authorities expect to stabilize it. He also urged residents not to panic.
The 30-liter limit is expected to be introduced at all gas stations across the region in the coming days. According to the Leningrad region government, the measure is temporary and will remain in effect until October 1.
Emergency services and ambulances will be allowed to refuel without waiting in line. Meanwhile, a system based on even- and odd-numbered license plates has been kept as a backup option for now.
Fuel shortages hit the region
Fuel problems in the Leningrad region have already forced some gas stations to shut down. According to Drozdenko, around 20% of private and small gas stations in the region have suspended operations due to fuel shortages, with AI-95 gasoline in particular in short supply.
The situation was also affected by the shutdown of the KINEF oil refinery, one of the largest oil-processing facilities in northwestern Russia.
Why fuel problems are continuing in Russia
The problems are linked to continued Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries. For example, overnight on September 15, Ukraine's Defense Forces struck an oil refinery in Russia's Samara region and the Atlant Aero facility in Taganrog. The consequences of an earlier strike on the Slavyansk ECO refinery have also been confirmed.
Meanwhile, the US President said Ukraine should stop striking Russian infrastructure, including oil refineries, arguing that such attacks are allegedly contributing to a global diesel fuel shortage.
