Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged what outside experts, many regional officials, and everyday citizens have already noticed: Russia is facing energy shortages, causing major problems for citizens and industries."You are well aware that problems for drivers and for businesses persist," Putin said on June 28. "Unfortunately, there are still lines at gas stations.""We have to reduce to a minimum the impact of terrorist attacks on our civilian targets and infrastructure," apparently referring to Ukrainian drone strikes deep inside Russian territory against crucial energy infrastructure.
The Ukrainian drone strikes have targeted oil terminals, refineries, and pipelines. At least 17 regions have imposed mandatory restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales, and dozens of others reporting shortages or restrictions by private fuel companies.Putin made his latest remarks at a meeting of senior officials of the ruling United Russia party -- Putin's instrument of power across the country -- and made similar comments in an interview published shortly thereafter by the Kremlin, even as he attempted to downplay the severity of the crisis.In the interview, Putin said: "As for strikes against critical infrastructure in general, and energy infrastructure in particular, of course these attacks on our infrastructure facilities create problems, that's obvious.""Right now, we're observing a certain shortage, but it's not critical," he added.Videos posted online have depicted angry drivers lining up at gasoline stations, often engaging in heated arguments with other drivers.Help For FarmersPutin called for measures to ensure supplies for the farming sector, and authorities were considering a ban on diesel exports in the normally energy rich country."The need to introduce a complete ban on the export of diesel fuel is being considered," he told the meetingPutin said the country was now utilizing gasoline reserves, and he vowed that July production levels should be above those recorded in June.
