Drivers in the Volgograd region are concerned about growing fuel shortages.
Gasoline prices are rising in the Volgograd region, with queues forming at gas stations in rural areas and restrictions on fuel sales. The situation is causing farmers to worry about their ability to harvest and transport their crops, drivers said.
As reported by the "Caucasian Knot", starting June 23, "Lukoil" in the Volgograd region introduced restrictions on the sale per transaction: gasoline - 30 liters, diesel fuel - 60 liters in the city, 200 liters - outside the city on highways. On June 25, at the company's gas stations in the city, gasoline sales were reduced to 20 liters. At some gas stations of large companies, drivers encountered non-working pumps and a ban on dispensing fuel in canisters a week ago. On June 16, local authorities announced that there was no fuel shortage in the region . Residents confirmed that they had not encountered queues, but also noted fuel price hike.
A "Caucasian Knot" correspondent surveyed local residents about the crisis situation in the region. The personal opinions presented are not representative of the survey.
Temporarily unemployed resident of the Central District of Volgograd Olga Kitaevais monitoring the situation with rising fuel prices in Volgograd at Lukoil gas stations. According to the woman, gasoline prices have increased by 10% over the past month. Olga explained that prices are rising "weekly." Thus, on June 19, 100 Ecto gasoline cost 95 rubles 84 kopecks, 95th Ecto - 72 rubles 72 kopecks, 92nd - 65 rubles 34 kopecks, diesel fuel - 77 rubles 48 kopecks. June 25 These indicators increased: 100 Ecto gasoline cost 96 rubles 24 kopecks, 95th Ecto - 72 rubles 83 kopecks, 92nd - 65 rubles 43 kopecks, diesel fuel - 77 rubles 88 kopecks.
“It would seem that some kopecks have gone up there. But that’s for a week. What will happen by the end of the year?” she expressed concern.
Olga reported that after the introduction of restrictive measures (from June 25), her husband tried to fill up his car’s gas tank, driving from one gas station to another. At the third gas station, they refused him, saying that he had already used up his limit for the day.
“Apparently, they somehow track such purchases. And they don’t allow gasoline to be poured into canisters. They say that recently a car that was transporting "We had fuel in canisters. There were no casualties. And we have a chainsaw and a brush cutter at our dacha. How do we fill them up?" the woman said.
Volgograd historian Andrei Kudinov told a journalist that there are no problems filling up cars on federal highways.
"While I was driving along the Moscow highway, I was filling up without any problems. There were no lines. On the way back from Mikhaylovka, I saw closed private gas stations. I didn't stop at the ones that were open, as I seriously doubt the quality of their gasoline. They say they've started pumping out counterfeit stuff. Lukoil maintains its brand and doesn't sell low-quality fuel. I can't vouch for other companies," Kudinov said.
Kudinov reported that rumors were circulating in Volgograd that gasoline sales restrictions could be lowered to five percent. liters. But on June 26, regional authorities officially denied these rumors.
Zhanna Kurilkova, a resident of the regional center of Ilovlya, confirmed Kudinov's information that many private gas stations on regional roads are closed.
"Diesel fuel isn't available everywhere. And this is a disaster for farmers. How can they harvest? 92-octane gasoline is rarely sold. They offer expensive 95-octane, and at Lukoil, even 100-octane. Filling up a car has become very expensive. Before a long trip, you have to call the fuel company's hotlines. And even then, there's no guarantee they'll provide up-to-date information on the route. The risks are increasing every day. We're already limiting our travel. We decided to buy my husband an electric scooter so he can go fishing, so he doesn't waste gas... It's clear why there's such a rush for fuel in the region," said Zhanna. Kurilkova.
The Gazelle truck driver, who introduced himself as Gleb, lives in the Gorodishchensky district. He works in freight transportation. For July and August, he made arrangements with local farmers to transport agricultural produce to the regional center.
"Okay, these contracts are verbal. Otherwise, we'd have to invoke force majeure. I just spoke to one of them (a farmer) yesterday. He says the harvest (carrot and pepper) is in jeopardy. There's a problem with diesel fuel. There are stockpiles now. We have to start looking for diesel at gas stations. And he thinks diesel will disappear completely by July. And then that's it. His business will be gone, and mine too," he told a "Caucasian Knot" correspondent.
All respondents explained that they spend no more than an hour refueling their cars ("even when they have to fill up at two stations at once"). Volgograd residents are more concerned about rising fuel prices and the closure of some gas stations. At the same time, they say sales restrictions are being observed at gas stations of all fuel companies operating in the region.