A gas station in Irkutsk has introduced a new set of rules for motorists waiting in long fuel lines. The notice, reportedly issued on behalf of the Main Directorate of Russia’s Interior Ministry for the Irkutsk Region, was circulated by local Telegram channels.
According to the instructions, drivers and passengers are prohibited from leaving their vehicles until they reach the fuel pump. They are also forbidden from communicating with people in other vehicles, whether verbally, through gestures, or by any other means. In addition, all vehicles waiting in line must keep their hazard lights switched on.
The document states that the measures were introduced after four people were detained on suspicion of organizing artificial queues, provoking disturbances, and illegally reselling fuel at inflated prices.
Gas station operators have also been instructed to display the notice in visible locations by July 10, brief their staff on the new procedures, and submit photographic proof of compliance to the Interior Ministry.
The new restrictions come as Russia continues to face a worsening fuel shortage. Authorities have already banned diesel exports, postponed maintenance at several oil refineries, launched fuel imports, and acknowledged that the domestic fuel market remains under significant strain. Long queues have formed at filling stations in several regions, prompting local officials to introduce additional measures for motorists.
Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin held a special meeting on the fuel shortage, acknowledging the challenges and instructing the government to accelerate efforts aimed at stabilizing the situation.
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