Russian deputy prime minister says fuel shortage linked to refinery repairs

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Russian deputy prime minister Alexander Novak said there is a current fuel shortage and unstable petrol station operation because oil refineries are partially out of service for repairs after Ukrainian drone strikes. Novak said the shortages explain observed queues, while president Vladimir Putin called the problems temporary and linked them to attempts to disrupt the summer vacation season. Novak had previously said on 26 June that fuel volumes were sufficient for domestic needs. In early June officials noted falling refining output due to unscheduled repairs, and on 8 July Russia banned diesel exports and said it plans to import fuel.

Russia faces domestic fuel shortages after refineries went partially offline.