Putin Admits Russia Has a Fuel Shortage
Ukraine hit a major oil refinery in southern Russia with drones. The refinery caught fire.
At least 2 people were killed. The refinery is in Russia's Krasnodar region.
On Sunday Putin said Russia is facing a fuel shortage. He called it a "certain deficit." This is the first time Putin has admitted Ukraine's drone strikes hurt Russia's fuel supply.
Putin said the attacks cause "obvious" problems but are "not critical." He promised to better protect oil sites and increase fuel output. Ukraine's drone strikes have forced many Russian regions to ration petrol.
Crimea has stopped selling petrol to civilians after strikes on supply routes. Russia is also considering a full ban on diesel exports to protect its own supply.
Klear Note — Ukraine and Russia are at war. Drone strikes on fuel supplies affect both military operations and civilian life. Russia needs fuel for vehicles, heating, and power plants.
Key Terms 4
- deficit When there is less of something than people need
- petrol rationing Limiting how much fuel each person can buy
- diesel A type of fuel used in trucks, buses and some cars
- Krasnodar region An area in southern Russia near the Black Sea