Russia’s fuel crisis causes long lines and headaches for motorists

STORY: This is the line for gas at a station in Sevastopol, a port city in Russian-controlled Crimea.

As Ukraine steps up its drone attacks on Russian refineries and export terminals, motorists are feeling the bite.

A gasoline shortage has hit more than 10 regions across Russia, according to the Izvestia newspaper, citing a fuel producers’ union.

This resident says he’s had to queue for 40 minutes to fill his tank – but says he’s not panicking quite yet.

:: Sergei Aksyonov

Sergei Aksyonov, the head of Crimea, acknowledged the problem in a post on Telegram, but said gas stations would be fully supplied within two weeks.

Russia’s Far East and Crimea were the first territories to experience a shortage of gasoline in August.

Ukraine’s attacks have reduced Russian oil refining by almost a fifth on certain days and cut exports from key ports.

Russia has a big surplus of diesel, but its gasoline production matches domestic demand.

That means the drop in refining runs could lead to shortages.