Moscow, Russia – Authorities in several Russian regions have urged residents to work remotely and limit their use of private vehicles as the fuel crisis worsens due to repeated Ukrainian attacks targeting oil refineries and energy infrastructure.
This move comes as the war’s impact on Russia’s domestic front widens.
Novosibirsk takes emergency measures
The government of the Novosibirsk region, which is one of the most populous Russian regions and the economic center of Siberia,
recommended that employers shift employees to a remote work system and reduce fuel consumption.
It also called on residents to limit movement in private vehicles inside
and outside the area until the state of maximum alert is lifted.
This is within the framework of measures aimed at confronting fuel shortages.
Ukrainian attacks disrupt energy facilities
These measures came after an oil refinery in the neighboring Omsk region was attacked by Ukrainian drones this week.
The attack disrupted one of Russia’s largest oil refining facilities in terms of production capacity.
According to Russian officials and local media reports, more than 90% of the country’s regions have experienced fuel shortages since June.
Some regions have also imposed restrictions on fuel sales at filling stations and prohibited the filling of refueling containers.
Similar measures in other areas
Other Russian regions have taken similar steps. Authorities in the Tomsk region have encouraged remote work,
urging institutions to reduce business travel and hold meetings online.
The city of Irkutsk has recommended that its employees work from home.
Ukraine continues to launch drone attacks targeting Russian energy facilities in
an attempt to weaken Moscow’s ability to finance its military operations.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has previously acknowledged
that these attacks have contributed to fuel shortages,
suggesting their aim is to sow division within Russian society.
