Putin: Fuel Market Stable As Refinery Attacks Addressed

Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview on Sunday that the fuel market situation is under control and that problems stemming from intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries are being resolved. "We met the day before yesterday with the prime minister (Mikhail Mishustin) to discuss this issue. Although not all problems have been resolved, work is underway.

The prime minister is monitoring the situation. A special commission has been created, Putin said in the interview with Russian public television, as reported by EFE news agency. However, he admitted that the fuel market situation is causing inconvenience to Russian citizens.

"Yes, obviously there are some inconveniences for people, but the government, of course, must keep the situation under control, the Russian president indicated. The Moscow government acknowledged this week that Russia is facing what it described as the "second phase" of the fuel supply crisis due to intensified Ukrainian attacks on oil refining infrastructure. According to reports from Wednesday, at least two gas station chains have again rationed fuel sales in Moscow, while Russian Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov admitted that queues have formed again at gas stations.

In addition to rationing fuel, the Russian government has authorized the sale of Euro-2 gasoline, with quality standards below the usual ones, in an attempt to mitigate the supply crisis. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on June 25 a campaign of drone attacks deep into Russia, targeting mainly Russian logistics centers and refineries. Putin acknowledged on Wednesday that these strikes cause damage but downplayed them, saying they are not serious and have no major consequences for the Russian economy. The fuel crisis has been exacerbated by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian refineries, which have disrupted production and led to shortages in some regions.