Queues at gas stations and empty tanks: why drivers are being prepared for fuel shortages

Ukraine has an unexpected diesel fuel supply problem, which is already noticeable at gas stations and in the transport sector. Drivers and entrepreneurs are facing a decline in fuel stocks, leading to a gradual but steady increase in prices. Expert Serhiy Kuyun notes that the scale of this crisis is significant, and the reasons are not only weather conditions and international factors, but also certain decisions by the country regarding imports.

The main factor in the shortage was several adverse circumstances. In the summer, the Kremenchuk oil refinery shut down completely, reducing domestic production. In October, diesel fuel supplies from Romania were halted due to a ban at the Port of Constanta, and Hungarian and Lithuanian oil refineries suffered accidents and repairs. Anti-Russian sanctions have complicated the import of fuel from Serbia and Bulgaria, forcing traders to compete for every ton of diesel.

As a result, Ukrainians are already feeling the effects of this shortage: some gas stations are completely out of fuel, while others are facing long queues. Diesel prices have recently increased by an average of 2-3 hryvnias per liter, and if the situation does not stabilize, they may rise even more. This will affect not only drivers, but also logistics companies, farmers, and businesses that depend on transport.

Quick and effective action is needed to solve this problem. Among the measures that can help are simplifying the border-crossing process for fuel trucks, increasing the use of Polish terminals, and accelerating Ukrzaliznytsia’s work on diesel deliveries. Only in this way can a severe crisis like the one in 2022 be avoided.

While the state and businesses look for ways out of this situation, Ukrainians should be prepared for temporary difficulties at gas stations and plan their fuel expenses. The current situation reminds us that even in peacetime, shortages of essential resources can come as a surprise.