Putin's Fuel Crisis Excuse Exposed: Russia Scrambles to Restore Battered Infrastructure

Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to downplay the fuel crisis gripping Russia by blaming high global oil prices, but his explanation fell short. Speaking at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Putin said it was more profitable for Russia to export crude oil than to refine it domestically due to Brent crude's $95 per barrel price.

However, this explanation ignores the fact that European gasoline and diesel refining margins are also exceptionally high, and Russia operates a state subsidy mechanism designed to encourage domestic fuel supply. More importantly, Ukraine's drone strikes have reduced Russia's domestic refining capacity, leading to increased crude exports and imports of fuel to cover shortages at home.

Putin claimed that refinery repairs were progressing rapidly, with only 10% of restoration work remaining, but this contradicts the reality of a severely battered fuel system. When asked directly whether Russians should get used to systematic fuel shortages, Putin's response was evasive, stating that Russia must be prepared for anything.