The crisis with gasoline supplies pointed to the inefficiency of Abkhaz officials.

Abkhazia critically depends on fuel supplies from Russia; exports from other countries are unlikely due to logistical problems. Supplies from Georgia have fundamentally not changed the situation in the republic, experts interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" believe.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", the company Repsol, which previously owned the Connect gas station network and sold gasoline to a mediator with the permission of the Georgian government, announced the cessation of gasoline shipments to LLC "Solidus", which supplied fuel to Abkhazia. The batch of gasoline that a private Georgian company supplied to Abkhazia was small, and there was no political subtext in this, Abkhaz experts stated. Georgian analysts considered that the gasoline supplies were legal, especially since food products have long been supplied to Abkhazia, for example.

Saida Gezeradava, an employee of the NGO "Center for Humanitarian Programs", emphasized that the lack of gasoline is undoubtedly a serious concern for society. "I think there are certain hopes for a way out of the situation, although how justified they are is a big question. For now, motorists are still enduring long waits in multi-hour queues at gas stations. I haven't even noticed serious criticism regarding the delivery of fuel from Georgia," he noted.

"The fuel business is in private hands, the state's presence is minimal, and there are few levers for regulation. Although during Aslan Bzhania's presidency, the market was monopolized by Rosneft, all alternative sources of supply were cut off. I think the authorities paid little attention to fuel security issues before the crisis. But the fuel that came to Abkhazia from Georgia certainly did not arrive without the knowledge of the authorities; most likely, at this stage, the supply was sanctioned. This is the state's involvement," the expert summarized.

A Caucasian studies expert who has studied Abkhazia for many years noted that the rise in gasoline prices has become very sensitive for Abkhazia. "Everyone got used to the fact that gasoline in Abkhazia was cheaper than in Russia. As a result, those engaged in agriculture (although diesel is more needed there, and the situation is easier with it), those tied to tourism – transfers and excursions, and those involved in freight transportation found themselves in a difficult situation," the interlocutor noted, wishing to remain anonymous.

Regarding possible alternative sources of supply, the expert noted that there could be supplies from Azerbaijan. "The batch that was brought from Georgia was distributed in the Gali district, where the gasoline situation is very poor. These supplies did not affect the overall situation. Purchases of gasoline from other countries besides Russia are unlikely. The option of supplies from Turkey is complicated: firstly, it is expensive, and secondly, sea transportation is unsafe," he concluded.

The expert stated that the crisis demonstrated the vulnerabilities of the Abkhaz gasoline supply system. "Two factors converged here. Firstly, this was the first time. Plus, the inefficiency of Abkhaz officials played a role," he noted.

Another Caucasian studies expert, who also spoke on the condition of anonymity, pointed out the difference between gasoline supplies from Georgia, which drew criticism from the opposition in that country, and the interaction between Sukhumi and Tbilisi in the energy sector. "The Inguri HPP is jointly owned, and there is an agreement that energy is shared in a 60 to 40 ratio. In the winter period, Abkhazia sometimes receives 100%. Actually, because Georgia also receives electricity, the Georgian opposition does not make a fuss about this," the interlocutor believed.

Drivers reported on queues at Abkhaz gas stations
 
Vitaly from Sukhumi reported that the queues for gasoline last 5-6 hours. "I filled up on August 4 in Adler, filled the tank, and haven't refueled since," he noted.

Co-founder of the PapaTur company from Gagra, Adamyr, reported that the price of A-95 gasoline has risen to 95-100 rubles. "The queues are large. I refueled three days ago and stood for 12 hours," he stated. At the same time, according to him, the situation has begun to stabilize in recent days. "There are already gas stations where you can refuel in 10-15 minutes," he emphasized.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", problems with the availability of gasoline in Abkhazia have persisted throughout August. On August 15, residents of Abkhazia, commenting on the report of Energy Minister Batal Mushba, pointed to high prices at private gas stations and the lack of noticeable improvement in the situation with queues.