Putin Bans Gasoline and Aviation Fuel Exports as Russia’s Fuel Crisis Hits the Pump

Russian leader Vladimir Putin has acknowledged Russia’s gasoline crisis for the first time after Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries, saying gas station lines have appeared across the country and ordering a full temporary ban on gasoline exports.

Putin made the remarks during a meeting focused on fuel shortages in Russia, Russian media outlet Interfax reported on June 28.

According to Putin, Russian drivers and businesses are still facing problems at gas stations, while some types of fuel are no longer reliably available.

“Problems for drivers and businesses remain. Unfortunately, there are still lines at gas stations. The necessary grade of gasoline cannot always be found now,” Putin said.

He said Russia must minimize the consequences of Ukrainian strikes on Russian infrastructure.

According to the Russian leader, Russia is now using the capacity of its largest oil refineries at maximum levels, bringing medium and small refineries into the supply chain, shortening current repair periods, and postponing planned maintenance.

Putin claimed that production of key fuel types is expected to exceed June levels in July. He also said Russia had released previously accumulated fuel reserves onto the domestic market.

“According to the Energy Ministry, gasoline reserves now stand at 1.7 million tons, which practically corresponds to the level for the same period last year. There is a slight decrease—only 4%,” Putin said.

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He added that Russia has introduced a temporary full ban on gasoline and aviation fuel exports “in the interests of domestic consumers.” Moscow is also considering a full ban on diesel fuel exports.

Putin also acknowledged that temporarily occupied Crimea has only several days of fuel supply left, though he claimed the issue would be solved.

“Crimea now has reserves for several days, but the needs will be met. We will increase supplies both by land and by sea. I believe this task will be solved,” he said.

According to Putin, temporarily occupied Crimea needs around 70,000 tons of energy resources per month.

He claimed that Ukraine’s attacks are aimed at creating uncertainty among Russians, causing divisions inside Russian society, and forcing Moscow to stop its offensive for negotiations “on terms favorable to the enemy.”

“We will not give them such a chance,” Putin said. “All strikes, wherever they are carried out against our infrastructure, have absolutely no effect on the situation at the front, on the line of combat contact.”

Earlier, Russia’s Presidential Administration instructed state-aligned and pro-government outlets to downplay the country’s worsening fuel shortage and present the leadership as firmly in control.

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