Vladimir Putin held a meeting with government members to discuss fuel shortages in Russian regions and in annexed Crimea. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the domestic market situation as “difficult but under control,” saying the shortages were caused by periodic logistical disruptions in certain regions and at some gas stations.
According to Novak, the government is preparing additional measures. Alongside the existing full ban on gasoline and aviation kerosene exports, the authorities are considering a full ban on diesel fuel exports. He also said all Russian refineries had increased capacity, repair timelines had been shortened, and some scheduled maintenance had been postponed.
Novak added that the authorities were giving “special attention” to annexed Crimea and Sevastopol, border regions, the Far East, and Kaliningrad.
Marat Khusnullin said additional protective measures had been introduced for transport moving between Crimea and Russia, though he did not specify what they were. He also said the authorities had drafted support measures for the tourism business and, if necessary, planned to help utility services prepare for winter.
Commenting on the increasingly frequent Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s rear areas, Putin said Kyiv was allegedly trying to compensate for a worsening battlefield situation and strengthen its negotiating position. He called on the Defense Ministry, the government, and regional authorities to “work rhythmically” under such threats and reduce their impact as much as possible.
Putin said Kyiv’s “terrorist attacks” would not affect the situation at the front.
Ukraine has recently stepped up strikes on industrial facilities and oil refineries deep inside Russia. According to Reuters, from June 15 to June 21 gasoline production in Russia fell by about 25% compared with the daily average for June 2025. Against that backdrop, a fuel crisis has emerged in several Russian regions and in annexed Crimea.