Vladimir Putin held a meeting on supplying the domestic market with fuel, with the heads of the country’s largest energy companies taking part, the Kremlin press service said.
According to the president, the capacities of the largest oil refineries are currently being used to the fullest extent possible. Medium-sized and small enterprises have also been involved, and the сроки of scheduled repairs have been shortened.
Putin said that in July production of the main types of fuel is expected to exceed June levels. He added that previously accumulated fuel volumes have already been released to the domestic market.
He also said that, despite the use of reserves, gasoline stocks “roughly correspond to the level seen in the same period last year.” According to him, reserves amount to 1.7 million tons, which is 4% lower than in the same period a year earlier.
“You are well aware that problems remain both for motorists and for businesses. Unfortunately, there are also lines at gas stations. And it is not always possible to find the required grade of gasoline now,” Putin said.
Thus, despite the use of reserves and promises to increase fuel output in the near future, the authorities acknowledge that the gasoline shortage on the domestic market persists.