A high alert regime was introduced in the Irkutsk region due to the fuel crisis. The lines at gas stations will be patrolled by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian National Guard

A high alert regime has been introduced in the Irkutsk region due to the fuel crisis, said the regional governor Igor Kobzev. According to him, this is necessary to prevent an emergency situation amid fuel shortages.

At Rosneft gas stations in the region, a limit is being introduced on the sale of fuel to individuals - up to 50 liters per day per car per refueling. Other gas stations may impose even stricter restrictions. In addition, the Irkutsk region banned the sale of gasoline in any containers other than car tanks. An exception is made for emergency services, municipal and agricultural equipment.

Employers whose organizations are not related to the life support of the population were recommended to transfer as many employees as possible to remote work. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Russian National Guard will monitor order in queues at gas stations. Security forces also intend to suppress the illegal sale of fuel and patrol places where fuel and lubricants are sold, Kobzev warned:

“Our main task now is to alleviate the issue associated with insufficient fuel shipments to the region, reduce the rush at gas stations, and establish smooth operation of all services in these difficult conditions. We are also continuing negotiations to provide fuel to independent gas stations and reduce queues at gas stations.”

The governor hopes to see “results” from officials' actions next week. Residents of the Irkutsk region reported shortages of gasoline as early as the 20th of June. Against the backdrop of a gasoline shortage in Irkutsk, from July 1, public transport fares will increase in price - up to 45 rubles.

Previously, a similar high alert regime was introduced in the Trans-Baikal Territory due to the fuel situation. There, the authorities limited the sale of gasoline to individuals to 15 liters and allowed fuel to be dispensed only into car tanks.

By the end of June, the fuel crisis had affected most Russian regions and occupied territories. According to The Insider's calculations , restrictions on the sale of gasoline, the closure of individual gas stations, limits on the supply of fuel, or a ban on sales in cans were recorded in at least 84 regions. At the same time, regional authorities almost nowhere directly link the interruptions to attacks on the Russian oil refining infrastructure: they are more often explained by seasonal demand, rush, “stuffing,” logistics problems, or disruptions in exchange trading.