Shelling, blackouts, and excitement—there is enough fuel: Kiev’s gas stations are operating as usual
19 January 15:14
EXCLUSIVE
On Friday and Saturday, after the strikes on the energy infrastructure, Kyiv residents rushed to gas stations en masse. The highest demand was for diesel fuel, which was actively purchased to power generators in residential buildings, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
Blackouts and queues at gas stations
After massive Russian shelling of energy infrastructure on January 9 and 13, demand for fuel rose sharply in Kyiv. On January 10 and 11, drivers flocked to gas stations, trying to fill up their cars and buy diesel to power generators.
During those days, social media was flooded with calls to “not drive with an empty tank” and “stock up on fuel in advance.”
The greatest rush was for diesel fuel, which is used for backup power supply to residential buildings, businesses, and critical infrastructure facilities.
At the same time, by the end of the weekend, the situation had stabilized, and gas station operators began to bring in additional volumes of fuel to fully meet the increased demand and prevent panic.
In the early days, the Ukrnafta and WOG networks confirmed that demand had indeed increased, but operators quickly increased supplies to prevent shortages and panic.
Some of the temporary difficulties at individual gas stations were not related to a lack of fuel, but to a lack of electricity, which meant that cash registers and fuel pumps were not working.
Fuel reserves are sufficient: expert explanation
Energy expert Gennady Ryabtsev in an exclusive comment
“No, there is no fuel shortage. On the contrary, there is a surplus and there are reserves. The prime minister spoke of reserves for more than 20 days, and such a level of reserves has not been seen for a long time,” Ryabtsev said.
According to him, the problems that may have arisen at some gas stations were purely technical in nature.
“There is fuel. If there were difficulties somewhere, they were not related to a lack of gasoline or diesel, but to a lack of electricity. There is no reason to talk about a shortage,” the expert explained.
Where does the panic come from?
Ryabtsev believes that the wave of rumors was caused by the misinterpretation of statements made by government officials.
“Perhaps someone took a phrase out of context. It seems as if there is only enough fuel for 20 days — and that’s it. But that’s not the case. In fact, the situation is stable, and the fuel market is under control,” he stressed.
What Kyiv residents need to know right now
There is no fuel shortage in Kyiv.
The highest demand was in the first days after the shelling, primarily for diesel fuel.
Gas stations continue to operate, with interruptions possible only due to power outages.
Fuel reserves are sufficient, and the market is under control.
Panic buying makes no economic sense.
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