Gasoline shortages and surging prices hit Russia as Ukrainian attacks target vital oil infrastructure across vast distances.
From: Euromaiden Press BY YURI ZORIA
Amid fuel shortages in Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin admitted that Ukraine is striking deep into Russian territory, but tried to downplay the significance of Ukraine’s deep-strike campaign. Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on 8 October that Putin made the statement a day earlier, while attempting to minimize the importance of the attacks that have caused gasoline shortages and price surges across Russia and occupied Ukraine.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified strikes on Russian oil refineries, deepening gasoline shortages in Russia and Russian-occupied Ukraine and driving up prices at gas stations.
Putin acknowledges Ukraine’s refinery strikes, calls campaign useless
ISW reported that Putin said Ukraine is striking deep into Russian territory but claimed the campaign “will not help.” He stated that Russia’s main task is to ensure the safety of civilians, strategic facilities, and energy infrastructure.
Reuters said on 7 October that industry sources said Belarus has increased its rail-transported gasoline exports to Russia fourfold month-on-month in September. In total, Belarus exported 49,000 metric tons of gasoline — about 14,500 barrels per day — and 33,000 tons of diesel fuel to the Russian domestic market.
Kremlin-linked blogger criticizes Moscow’s failure to defend refineries
A Kremlin-affiliated Russian milblogger expressed concern about Ukraine’s refinery strike campaign and condemned the Kremlin’s failure to protect the country’s energy infrastructure, ISW noted. The milblogger said on 8 October that Ukrainian forces are targeting Russian oil infrastructure to cause maximum economic damage. He noted that Ukraine can now strike refineries located up to 2,000 kilometers inside Russian territory — previously beyond its reach.
Voice of Ukraine 