Key facts
- Russian authorities are recommending businesses transition to remote work to conserve energy.
- Citizens are urged to limit the use of private vehicles.
- The fuel crisis is a direct consequence of Ukrainian drone attacks on the Omsk oil refinery.
- Most Russian regions are experiencing energy restrictions due to the refinery damage.
- Some areas have introduced odd-even gasoline sales to manage fuel distribution.
Russian authorities are instructing businesses to adopt remote work policies and reduce energy consumption as a severe fuel crisis intensifies across the country. This measure comes in response to significant damage sustained by the Omsk oil refinery, a key facility in Siberia, due to Ukrainian drone attacks on July 6.
Officials in Siberian regions, including Tomsk and Novosibirsk, have issued directives and recommendations. Olga Krylova, deputy governor of the Tomsk region, advised officials to plan trips more selectively and utilize remote interaction formats. In Novosibirsk, Deputy Governor Konstantin Khalzov signed a decree suggesting all businesses, except essential services, allow employees to work remotely. The decree also urges residents to limit private vehicle use and ensure they have adequate fuel for necessary journeys.
The fuel crisis has reportedly spread to nearly all of Russia's 89 regions, with only one unaffected. Some areas are implementing an odd-even system for gasoline sales to alleviate disruptions, leading to estimated wait times of up to 12 hours for drivers in certain locations. The Omsk refinery, located over 2,500 km from the front lines, is one of Russia's largest oil processing facilities.