Abkhazian drivers assessed the impact of gasoline supplies from Russia on the fuel crisis.
Queues at gas stations in Abkhazia have decreased, but the fuel shortage and high prices remain, drivers reported. The gasoline sent from Russia will last no more than two weeks under the restrictions on sales, analysts believe.
As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on August 21, "Rosneft" sent 960 tons of AI-92 gasoline to Abkhazia, with one-third of this batch intended for sale through the gas stations of the companies AZiD "Alkhan" and "Salamandra". At gas stations in Abkhazia, the prices for AI-92 gasoline reach 98 rubles per liter and 120 rubles per liter for AI-100, local motorists indicated.
On August 8, Abkhazian drivers stated that the restriction on gasoline sales to 20 liters per car worsened the situation with queues, as they had to come to gas stations more often. On August 12, motorists complained about long queues and gasoline shortages. On August 15, residents of Abkhazia, commenting on the report by Energy Minister Batal Mushba, pointed out the high prices at private gas stations and the lack of noticeable improvement in the situation with queues.
Abkhazian drivers told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot" about the situation with gasoline in Abkhazia after the arrival of 960 tons of gasoline from Russia.
Drivers are dissatisfied with the restrictions on gasoline sales
Marat from Babushara said that he last refueled two days ago.
"Gasoline at the 'Podorozhnik' gas station was 74 rubles per liter, but I stood in line for two and a half hours, and they only poured 20 liters," he noted.
In recent days, it has only gotten worse; the queues are not getting shorter.
According to Marat, the supplies of Russian gasoline did not change the situation.
"In recent days, it has only gotten worse; the queues are not getting shorter," he stated.
Marat also emphasized that he is puzzled by the regulated fuel sales.
"If a person fills not 20 liters of gasoline, but a full tank, will he return the next day again? As it is, I have to drive almost every day. I can't even go to the village now because there won't be enough gasoline for the road," he concluded.
Now the queues are half an hour to an hour, but before they were up to seven hours.
Elena from Sukhum, who organizes car excursions, noted that the situation has improved slightly.
"Now the queues are half an hour to an hour, but before they were up to seven hours. As a result, our drivers were not getting enough sleep – they stood for gasoline until three in the morning, and by seven in the morning, they had to go meet tourists. At the same time, prices, especially at 'Rosneft' gas stations, remain the same," she stated.
Elena confirmed that gasoline is dispensed in a regulated manner – 20 liters, and it is prohibited to fill it into canisters.
Another driver from Sukhum, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the queues, which used to take 4-5 hours, have decreased.
"But I fear that this is a temporary phenomenon – once the Russian assistance ends, the queues will return," he noted. He also mentioned the rise in gasoline prices, stating that a liter of AI-92 costs 100 rubles, and a liter of AI-95 costs 127 rubles.
Roza from Gudauta, who is involved in tourist transfers, noted that the price of gasoline has risen from 70 to 120 rubles per liter.
"We had to raise the price of our services. If earlier the transfer to the border cost 3500, now it is 5000. The queues for gasoline are kilometers long, but we manage to refuel without waiting in line," she said.
Mark from Gagra noted that although there is gasoline and no queues, the price of gasoline has risen to 100 rubles per liter.
Emil from Sukhum stated that there are no queues for gasoline in the city, nor are there increased prices.
The survey is not representative and reflects only the private opinions of those surveyed.
Analysts assessed the possibilities of gasoline supplies to Abkhazia
An expert who has studied Abkhazia for many years and spoke on condition of anonymity noted that the gasoline sent from Russia will likely last no more than two weeks in Abkhazia under the condition of regulated sales.
"Probably, they sent as much as the quotas allow," he stated.
As for the delivery of gasoline, the expert noted that the land route remains the only one.
"Maritime transport is currently unsafe. And overland, it can be either rail transport (diesel fuel is transported this way) or transport in tankers. There used to be something like an oil depot near the Bzyb River – if it still exists, they may concentrate this gasoline there," he emphasized.
Caucasus expert Mamuka Areshidze noted that large and regular supplies of gasoline from Georgia to Abkhazia are impossible.
"Humanitarian supplies may be or supplies in an emergency situation, but regular supplies cannot happen for political reasons," he stated.
Areshidze noted that Abkhazia has no special options for gasoline supplies. "Maybe Turkey, but this would be a 'red line' for Russia, which is very closely monitoring Abkhaz-Turkish relations," he emphasized, noting that Abkhazia is now tightly tied to the Russian gasoline market, and therefore problems arising in Russia automatically reflect on Abkhazia.