On Sunday, President Vladimir Putin admitted that fuel supply issues had caused shortages in Russian regions. A task force is working to ensure sufficient quantities are provided across the country.
Putin said that Russia must minimize the impact of Ukrainian drone attacks on oil installations related to shortages. He was speaking to a group of senior officials who were discussing fuel supply and distribution.
He said that a ban on exports of diesel was being considered as a way to guarantee supplies for the agricultural sector.
According to Russian news agencies, Putin told the group: "You know that there are still problems for both drivers and businesses." "Unfortunately, the queues at gas stations are still there."
He said: "We must reduce to the minimum impact of terrorist attacks against?our infrastructure and civilian targets."
Ukraine has intensified its medium- and long-range attacks against industrial targets in Russia and Russian controlled territories within Ukraine, focusing on the oil industry.
Putin stated that gasoline reserves are being used, and currently stand at 1.7 millions metric tons. He also said that production in July should be higher than June's. He confirmed that a ban on exporting diesel, which has been under discussion for some time, is being considered.
He told the participants that a total ban on diesel fuel exports was being considered.
Interfax reported that Alexander Novak, the deputy prime minister of Russia, had said earlier that there was no need to ban diesel exports.
Putin stated that a task force was working around the clock to ensure fuel supply. He added that the situation required "systemic actions" that matched the current challenges in order to maintain a reasonable price and increase the supply.
He said that supplying agriculture was of particular importance.
Putin stated that "we must make every effort to maintain all seasonal fuel schedules for agroindustrial enterprises because the harvest is dependent on this."
