Fuel shortage issue to be resolved within week - Ministry of Economy

This week, a temporary but significant shortage of fuel is being observed at gas stations in certain regions of Ukraine, but over the next seven days the deficit will be tackled, as operators have contracted volumes in Western Europe.

That’s according to the press service of Ukraine’s Economy Ministry, Ukrinform reports.

"This week there was a temporary significant shortage of fuel at gas stations in some regions of Ukraine. This is due to the fact that during the last three weeks, the enemy has dealt devastating blows to Ukraine's fuel infrastructure. In particular, the Kremenchuk Refinery, which was the main fuel producer in Ukraine, was destroyed, as well as a number of large oil depots, run by market operators, with massive fuel reserves," the statement said.

The Ministry of Economy notes that the goal of the aggressor power is to bring to a halt Ukraine's economy over artificial fuel shortages. The officials emphasize that the government has been cooperating with market operators through the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Economy on a daily basis to provide fuel to the population.

"Over the next seven days, the deficit will be eliminated, as operators have contracted volumes in Western Europe. And now we are solving the issue of their delivery to the territory of Ukraine," the ministry stressed.

It was also noted that this situation will lead to a slight increase in the price of petroleum products – this is primarily due to the higher cost of logistics, due to difficult routes and the use of several modes of transportation.

The Ministry of Economy recalled that earlier decisions were made that significantly reduced the impact on the economy of the sharp rise in oil prices on world markets. In particular, the excise tax was abolished and VAT was reduced from 20% to 7%.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Mykola Povoroznyk, First Deputy Head of the Kyiv City State Administration, called on Kyiv residents not to drive personal vehicles around the city without an urgent need due to fuel shortages.