Russian Regions Lose Fuel to Keep Moscow Supplied

(MOSCOW) – Fuel is being redirected from Russian regions to the capital after the Moscow oil refinery was put out of action, according to Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service. The move aims to prevent shortages and possible unrest among Moscow residents.

The Kremlin fears social tension in Moscow because the capital’s population lives closest to the central authorities. Since the Bolotnaya Square protests, the Russian leadership has tried to avoid similar events at any cost, the intelligence service said.

The Moscow refinery is estimated to be out of service for about six months, the agency reported. To make up for the fuel deficit, the company Uralneft from Bashkortostan has been ordered to supply petrol, diesel and aviation fuel to Moscow. The commercial director of the company, Alexei Vasilenko, confirmed the redirection of oil products to the capital, according to the intelligence service.

Meanwhile, the fuel supply situation in Bashkortostan itself is getting worse. A mini network of Pchela filling stations in the south of the republic has already stopped working because of the shortage. Other operators have introduced strict limits on fuel sales per customer.

In addition, the Bashkortostan authorities are being forced to find extra funds to cover a budget deficit. The region has sold a 6.36 percent stake in Bashneft for this purpose. The head of the republic said the money raised is planned to be used partly to support participants in the war against Ukraine and their families. Even this deal, however, covers only about two thirds of the required sum.

The Foreign Intelligence Service stressed that regions are being forced to sell off strategic assets and give up their last reserves of oil products to supply Moscow. The regions must then solve their own problems using local resources.