Astrakhan drivers doubted the long-term resolution of the fuel crisis.

The measures taken by the regional government to normalize the fuel crisis have yielded results, but there are doubts that the effect will last in the long term, said Astrakhan drivers interviewed by "Caucasian Knot."

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", starting from October 9, the authorities of Astrakhan region canceled the regime of selling gasoline based on even and odd numbers, stating that the fuel situation is gradually normalizing, all "Gazprom" gas stations are operating around the clock, and queues are noticeably decreasing.

On October 15, a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot" asked Astrakhan drivers about the situation at gas stations and the availability of gasoline. The survey is not representative and reflects only the private opinions of the respondents.

The regional authorities have managed to reduce the intensity of the fuel crisis, believes 32-year-old car owner Sergey Amirhanov. Last week, he refueled his car without waiting in line, but he found it difficult to assess whether the fuel crisis in the region has ended.

“All numbers were refueled. But in the summer, there was a similar situation: first improvement, then restrictions, queues. Now I don’t know what will happen next. Since I refuel rarely, I can’t track the situation. There are gas stations that only sell 92-octane gasoline. In the city (Astrakhan), only "Gazprom" operates, in the villages – "Lukoil." The crisis depends more on the operation of oil refineries than on the stockpiling of citizens,” Amirhanov said.

20-year-old student Alexey Smirnov refuels his old car with AI-92 gasoline. He prefers to use the services of "Gazprom" and "Lukoil" gas stations.

“But during the crisis, there was no choice: wherever there was gasoline, that’s where I went, whatever brand was available, that’s what I filled in the tank. I think the habit of stockpiling will stay with me for a long time. I don’t believe in the long-term solution to the fuel shortage problem. Ukraine promised to intensify attacks on Russian oil refineries, so the crisis seems to be returning,” Alexey said.

A minibus driver who introduced himself as Damir said that he has not “lost” the habits acquired during the crisis. Like many of his colleagues, he continues to stock up on fuel, filling up full tanks and available canisters.

“We are not allowed to carry canisters with gasoline in the trunk; we usually store them in garages and sheds. If there are problems with refueling, we take gasoline from the canisters to avoid losing working time in queues. Many do this. For us, time is money,” said Damir.

The efforts of the regional government to resolve the fuel crisis were called effective by the man, but he does not believe in the long-term solution to the fuel problem in the region. Damir reported that on the evening of October 15, there was no fuel at the "Gazprom" gas stations on Akademika Koroleva and Yablochkova-Minussinskaya streets.

“If the refineries produce fuel – it is available at gas stations, if the refineries stop – a panic begins. The questions are not so much to our authorities, but to those who protect our peaceful sky from drones,” concluded the driver, confirming the cancellation of restrictions on the volume of fuel purchased at gas stations.

50-year-old utility engineer Nikolai Kurychev confirmed that, despite the normalization of the fuel situation in Astrakhan, closed gas stations are still encountered in the regional center.

“A cluster of gas stations: two have signs saying there is no fuel, at the neighboring one, as a rule, there is enough gasoline: both 92 and 95. So there are three gas stations nearby, and one of them definitely has fuel. That’s the situation now… It’s bad for those looking for 100-octane. I haven’t seen that brand yet,” Kurychev shared.

The man also stated that he does not intend to “unlearn” stockpiling: he continues to fill gasoline into the three canisters he has in his trunk. At the same time, he tries to use his car rarely: “only for fishing trips on Sundays.”

“Gasoline prices have certainly risen, but since I rarely drive my car, fuel expenses are not particularly high in my family budget,” Nikolai admitted. At the same time, Kurychev compared prices over the past six months. In September, in his opinion, there was no increase in fuel prices in Astrakhan region.

“There seem to be no problems with gasoline; today I refueled without waiting in line,” briefly stated Marat, who identified himself as a lawyer.

Political scientist Mikhail Dolieyev* told a correspondent from "Caucasian Knot" that he monitors the fuel crisis in Astrakhan region “by the reactions in chats and blogs,” but people there “are afraid to openly express their dissatisfaction.”

“I can assume that the current fuel crisis has passed. Apparently, the oil refineries are being repaired very quickly, and new backup capacities are being introduced. However, many Astrakhan residents continue to stockpile gasoline, filling a full tank for a week; some are trying to create explosive fuel reserves in their garages, pouring it into plastic canisters and bottles. After all, everyone understands that fuel crises will periodically resume and continue,” said the political scientist.

Assessing the sentiments of Astrakhan drivers, Mikhail Dolieyev* noted that many still have a feeling of insecurity, lack of stability, and a sense that they cannot influence anything after the fuel crisis.

* included in the register of foreign agents by the Ministry of Justice of Russia.

** the activities of the company Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) are banned in Russia.