Gas sales of Russia's petrol reach a 2-year low due to Ukrainian drone attacks and harvest season demand.
In a series of events, Russia's gasoline sales have seen a significant decline, with the situation further straining the already existing fuel shortage in the country.
On Tuesday, sales of A-95 petrol dropped 15.5 percent to 12,060 tons, while A-92 petrol sales dropped 21.7 percent to 15,600 metric tons, marking a two-year low. These figures were reported on the St. Petersburg Exchange, where total gasoline sales decreased 19.1 percent to 27,700 tons.
Independent petrol station chains have been hit hardest by these disruptions, as suppliers prioritise deliveries to larger networks. Two independent chains, each operating about 20 stations, have suspended retail sales and now sell petrol only under long-term contracts.
The decline in sales is linked to high demand from Russian farmers during the busy harvest season in September and October. Oleg Abelev, head of the analytical department of the Russian investment company Rikom-Trust, stated this demand intensifies Russia's fuel shortage.
However, the situation is not just due to seasonal factors. Unscheduled shutdowns at several large Russian refineries are occurring, with some refineries declaring force majeure and stopping shipping petrol, accelerating the depletion of local fuel stocks.
The largest producer of petroleum products in Russia's Southern Federal District, the Volgograd Refinery, was targeted by a Ukrainian attack on Thursday. This refinery, which processes about 5.6 percent of Russia's total crude oil capacity, was reportedly hit by a Ukrainian drone strike causing a fire but no casualties. The Volgograd Refinery supplies fuel and lubricants to Russian military forces and is the largest producer in the region.
Units of Ukraine's Special Operations Forces announced they had targeted the Volgograd Refinery on Thursday. Kyiv is reportedly escalating its campaign against Russian oil and gas infrastructure. Just a day earlier, the Saratov oil refinery was also targeted, with Ukrainian Special Operations Forces striking it on Monday night.
Veronika Melkozerova contributed to the report about the ongoing disruptions in Russia's gasoline sales. As the situation unfolds, it is crucial to monitor these developments closely to understand their potential impact on the global energy market.
