Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Novosibirsk this week was followed by an unusual development: petrol prices at some local filling stations reportedly dropped sharply – only to be expected to rise again once he left. Putin traveled to the Siberian city on Tuesday to visit new facilities at Novosibirsk State University.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. During his visit, petrol stations reportedly switched off price displays, while some temporarily stopped selling fuel, according to Russian outlet Vot Tak. “When the president passes through, gas prices go down, but as soon as he passes, they immediately go up by 20 rubles ($0.24),” Novosibirsk resident Kristina S. told Vot Tak. The reported drop comes as Russia faces mounting fuel shortages and soaring petrol prices, partly driven by repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure. Fuel shortages have already forced some Russian regions to impose restrictions on motorists, while long lines have formed outside filling stations. Roads Fixed, Fuel Prices Cut for Putin Putin’s visit also triggered a security and infrastructure blitz across Novosibirsk. Officials reportedly ordered residents living along the presidential motorcade route to stay indoors and away from windows. Road closures caused major traffic jams, according to local residents. Authorities also carried out road repairs and landscaping ahead of the visit. “I wish [Putin] had just toured Russia nonstop. At least they’d fix the roads,” one resident told Vot Tak.