The peak tourist season has complicated the problem of queues at gas stations in southern Russia.

The flow of tourists heading to the Black Sea by car during the peak season has intensified the problem of queues at gas stations in southern Russia. In Astrakhan, against the backdrop of panic, taxi fares have doubled.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on July 5, fuel was sold at 48% of gas stations in the Krasnodar region, the range of fuel types was limited, and limits were still in effect. Residents of Rostov-on-Don and North Ossetia complained about long waits in queues.

The rush at gas stations reminded of the panic during the pandemic

As of the morning of July 6, 48 gas stations are operating in Krasnodar, reported the MTSU Krasnodar in its Telegram channel.

55 gas stations in the city have suspended fuel sales, and another 11 remain closed for repairs, explained Yuga.ru today.

In the Krasnodar region, some gas stations are still closed, and at those that are open, there are restrictions on fuel dispensing per person – no more than 20-30 liters. In Gelendzhik, eight gas stations are operating, in Novorossiysk – 17, and in Sochi, 50 gas stations are operating, of which six are gas stations. A number of gas stations dispense fuel only with fuel cards. In Anapa, 26 gas stations are open, nine of which dispense gasoline only with fuel cards and for special transport. In the Tuapse district, fuel is available at 15 gas stations, in Yeisk – at four, and in the Temryuk district, 22 gas stations are operating, reported "Bloknot Krasnodar" today.

Drivers from Novorossiysk shared on social media the rules for those waiting in line at gas stations. Motorists are asking drivers waiting for gasoline, rather than waiting for their traffic signal, to turn on their hazard lights. This will help avoid confusion, and other road users will not join the traffic jam. Those stuck in the gasoline queue are also asked to stay as close to the sidewalk as possible to free up movement for other drivers, reported "Zhivaya Kuban" today.

Drivers from the Rostov region noted that queues at certain gas stations in the region resemble the panic surrounding food during the COVID times. Queues at gas stations remain the main problem for motorists, while they clarified that there are no issues with the availability of gasoline. One of the reasons for the long queues at Rostov gas stations is the peak vacation season – the Black Sea is a particularly popular destination for tourists, and drivers traveling along the M-4 "Don" highway through the Rostov region are facing long queues at gas stations, reported Donday.ru today.

In another publication, the outlet noted that gasoline prices in Rostov-on-Don reached 149 rubles.

Taxi fares in Astrakhan have doubled

In the city, the price range for AI-95 gasoline is 80 rubles. At "Gazpromneft" and "Rosneft" gas stations, AI-95 costs about 71-74 rubles per liter. At "Econ Oil" – 88.49 rubles. And at Teboil, the price for the same gasoline is 149 rubles, noted the Rostov publication "Gorodskoy Reporter" today.

In Volgograd, the problem with queues at gas stations also remains relevant. On the evening of July 5, a local resident photographed a 300-meter queue at the Teboil gas station on Spartakovka, reported "Bloknot Volgograd" today.

"It took me about 40 minutes to wait and refuel. The queue was moving actively, there was no 92-octane gasoline, but the rest was available. They are pouring 20 liters," the publication quoted one of the drivers.

According to local motorists, fuel is not available at all gas stations, and finding those gas stations where it is available requires effort, as stated in the publication.

Against the backdrop of the fuel problem in Astrakhan, taxi prices have doubled. Previously, getting from one point in the city to another could cost 300-400 rubles, but now the same trip costs 600-800 rubles, noted the publication "PRO Astrakhan".

The reason may be disruptions at some gas stations. In Astrakhan, queues at gas stations accumulate about 10-15 cars, and at some gas stations, gasoline is completely absent. Meanwhile, authorities explained the queues at gas stations as a seasonal increase in demand – agricultural work and an influx of tourists, as stated in the publication.

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