Putin: The problems with fuel are not critical in nature.

      On June 28, a meeting was held in the Kremlin to discuss fuel supply issues for the regions. It was attended by government members and leaders of the largest energy companies. Later, Vladimir Putin answered questions from a journalist.

      The meeting was prompted by disruptions in the domestic market for petroleum products. The president reminded that this topic had already been discussed a few days earlier in a meeting with the government. He linked the emergence of problems to strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil refineries. Putin emphasized that there is damage, but all affected facilities are being quickly restored, and the emerging problems are not of a critical nature.

      According to the Ministry of Energy, current gasoline reserves amount to 1.7 million tons. This is almost at the level of the same period last year — a decrease of 4%. To meet demand, the capacities of large oil refineries, as well as medium and small enterprises, are being utilized. The timelines for current repairs have been shortened, and planned repairs have been postponed to later dates. In July, production of the main types of fuel is expected to exceed June figures.

      Among the measures already taken is a temporary complete ban on the export of gasoline and aviation kerosene. The possibility of introducing a similar ban on diesel fuel was discussed at the meeting. Putin noted that participants in the meeting could raise the issue of possible overstocking and warned of the need to avoid steps that would create additional problems.

      The president acknowledged that problems for motorists and businesses persist: there are queues at gas stations, and the required brand of gasoline is not always available. He also drew attention to the situation with agricultural producers: during the summer period, it is important for them to adhere to seasonal supply schedules, as this affects the harvest.

      The meeting discussed the supply of Crimea and Sevastopol. The monthly need of the peninsula is 70,000 tons. At the time of the meeting, there was a supply in Crimea for several days, but needs will be met — supplies will be increased both by land and by sea.

      To monitor the situation, a round-the-clock headquarters has been established under the government. Additionally, together with oil companies, further proposals have been prepared to stabilize the domestic market. Putin positively assessed the work of private companies, calling them reliable partners of the state.

      In response to a journalist's question, the president stated that strikes on infrastructure facilities are carried out not only to cause damage but also as part of an information operation — aimed at sowing uncertainty in Russian society and creating conditions for a negotiation process on terms favorable to the opponent. However, according to him, these attacks do not affect the situation at the front line.