Gasoline failure and unsuccessful PR: Sokolov topped the anti-rating of the Volga Federal District.

      The analytical review of the political week in the subjects of the Volga Federal District, published by the Telegram channel VOLGA.brief, recorded a sharp decline in the rating of the governor of the Kirov region, Alexander Sokolov. As a result of the period from July 5 to July 11, he took the last place among his colleagues, receiving three "anti-points" for systemic management errors in the region amid the fuel crisis.

      The main stumbling block was the prolonged denial of the problem. While neighboring regions began to gradually introduce fuel supply rationing, Sokolov publicly stated for a long time that there was no shortage. As a result, when restrictions were finally introduced — later than anyone else in the district — it caused even greater tension among the population and businesses. The governor's rhetoric added further negativity: he directly accused local residents of artificially inciting panic, suggesting that gasoline was being hoarded in cans in garages.

      However, the most resonant episode was the failed attempt to change public opinion through personal example. A story circulated on social media that Sokolov's official car supposedly queued at a regular city gas station alongside other drivers. This move, according to observers, was predictably seen as cheap PR, not corresponding to the real state of affairs. Journalists drew a parallel with a similar failed case of his Vologda colleague Filimonov, noting that such imitation activities only discredit the authorities.

      Against this backdrop, the region continues to experience disruptions in fuel procurement under government contracts, and at the federal level, attention is already being drawn to the weak crisis communication of the Kirov authorities. The expert community agrees: the week was one of the most disastrous for Sokolov in terms of management image, and restoring the trust lost in seven days will be extremely difficult.