FLASH
Shkruar nga Pamfleti
In the Ukraine war, Russian bombing of infrastructure is making headlines in the media, especially when Ukrainian civilians are killed and injured.
Counterattacks by Kiev's armed forces have targeted mainly military installations, but also oil and gas production plants and power plants. Recently, refineries and export terminals have been particularly targeted.
Moscow is trying to hide the consequences of these air strikes as much as possible. However, images and reports show that there are obstacles to the supply of gas stations, especially in Crimea, which was annexed by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin in 2014. As the international news agency Reuters reports, citing traders, some gas stations can no longer afford to keep supplies.
In a few days, production at Russian oil refineries has been reduced by a fifth, and exports from major ports have also fallen. The popular AI-92 and AI-95 gasolines are often out of stock, but there are no long lines at gas stations.
Russia's Far East and Crimea were hit as early as August, followed later by the Volga region and the south and center of Putin's empire. Five traders, who wished to remain anonymous, told the agency that private gas stations, which are not supported by any of the major oil companies, were particularly hard hit. They account for about 40 percent of the total. There is also talk of temporary closures.
According to the report, gasoline has not been available at gas stations on the peninsula since September 24, and even the most expensive brand, A-100, has been completely sold out. An activist from the “Liberate Crimea” campaign said the situation has worsened in ten days and has now reached its peak. Residents are having to wait long for taxis, and there are noticeably fewer cars on the roads. Private businesses are particularly suffering from this situation. Many people are openly expressing their anger and accusing the leadership in Moscow of incompetence.
Independent news portal Cherta reports that gasoline has been in short supply in more than 10 Russian regions since August, and fuel prices are rising. A local activist described the situation in some parts of Crimea as “critical.” “There is no gasoline at the gas stations that are still open, only diesel and natural gas,” the unnamed source was quoted as saying. “Local authorities have introduced a rationing system: only government vehicles are allowed to refuel.”
According to Sergey Vakulenko, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Russia-Eurasia Center, "the chronic problems of the Russian fuel market have become particularly apparent." However, officials attribute the shortages to "seasonal factors," such as increased tourism or harvests.
In fact, it is true: "demand for fuel in Russia always increases at the end of summer: Agriculture is at its peak and city dwellers travel more often to their dachas or make longer car trips. At the same time, supply decreases due to seasonal maintenance work at refineries."
However, according to the expert, Russia should still be able to meet domestic demand. He describes the situation as "difficult but manageable." Damaged refineries will be able to produce at reduced levels, and state reserves can be used for this purpose, and Belarus can also provide assistance.
Therefore, Vakulenko is convinced: "we are still far from a deep and complete supply crisis that could undermine the functioning of the Russian economy or the military."
His prediction is that the fuel shortage should ease by October.
Meanwhile, Sergei Aksyonov released a video message via Telegram. The president of the Republic of Crimea, which is not internationally recognized, announced that all necessary measures are being taken. Gas stations should be replenished with the required amount of AI-95 within two days, while for AI-92 it will take two weeks.
Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that gasoline exports would be suspended for several more months. According to the Russian state news agency Tass, he told reporters: "We will extend the ban on gasoline exports until the end of the year and we will also introduce a ban on diesel fuel exports to non-producers until the end of the year."
However, this regulation does not apply to shipments under intergovernmental agreements. The previous ban applied to all market participants until September 30 and non-producers until October 31. /Adapted from Fr.de/
Putini eshte zgjidhja me e mire per kryesllavet ruse. Ruset vetem kaq duan, vetem nje cope sallo ne nje xhep e ne xhepin tjeter shishen e vodkes e perpara. Draper e Cekan per ta. Kini kujdes prej tyre se po na blejne apartamente e troje ne bregdet e nje dite do na marrin shtetin, ne mos na e kane marre.