Donetsk region experiencing severe fuel shortage

In various regions of Russia and the occupied territories, a severe fuel crisis is unfolding. The shortage has been exacerbated by regular Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil refineries and fuel infrastructure, which have taken around 17% of Russia's refining capacity offline.

The crisis has extended to regions such as Donetsk in Ukraine and Primorye, where kilometer-long queues at gas stations are common due to fuel shortages. In some areas, authorities have reverted to the Soviet practice of selling fuel by coupons.

The responsibility for resolving the fuel crisis in the occupied territories of Donetsk, DNR, and LNR lies primarily with the Russian authorities and the de facto administrations of these regions. However, Z-propagandist Anastasia Kashirova reported the formation of massive queues at gas stations in the "DNR" and "LNR" regions, suggesting that these measures have not been effective.

Similar problems have been encountered in Zabaykalsk and the annexed Crimea, where authorities are also selling fuel by coupons. In these regions, a liter of 95 gasoline can reach 90 rubles per liter or more, but resellers are selling it for as much as 200 rubles.

The military is not immune to the crisis, with military personnel forced to queue at regular gas stations and pay for their own fuel. In some extreme cases, such as the Kuril Islands, gasoline sales have been temporarily suspended.

The "Ministry of Fuel and Energy of the LNR" acknowledged the absence of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at local gas stations in the occupied territories by the end of August. The waiting times at these gas stations are up to 2-3 hours, causing significant inconvenience for the public.

Moscow-appointed authorities have been criticised for their inability to effectively resolve the issues. Kashirova, for instance, has pointed out the inefficiencies in handling the crisis. The military, too, is facing fuel shortages, with priority given to evacuation groups.

As the fuel crisis deepens, it remains to be seen how the authorities will address the situation and restore normal fuel supplies to the affected regions.