Andrey Dakhin: "Russia is becoming dependent on foreign states in terms of fuel."

      July 10, 2026 18:42 Economy Professor of the National Research University Higher School of Economics, Doctor of Philosophy Andrey Dakhin believes that disruptions in gasoline supplies have escalated into a systemic crisis affecting regional, corporate, and federal levels. According to him, in the Nizhny Novgorod region, by the beginning of July, supplies of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline had decreased by about 25%, while demand had increased by 60-70%. In these conditions, the regional authorities took a number of operational measures; however, in the expert's opinion, not all of them are equally effective. Dakhin believes that when introducing QR codes, it is necessary to consider the interests of residents in small settlements, where many use button phones and face unstable internet. In addition, he thinks a special procedure for fuel dispensing should be provided for owners of small vessels. The expert is also not convinced of the effectiveness of allowing access to gas stations based on even and odd vehicle numbers. "This measure does not increase the amount of gasoline and does not reduce daily consumption. But it does create an additional reason to fill up a little more in advance," Dakhin noted. At the same time, he positively assessed the strengthening of price controls, the increase in fuel dispensing limits "per person," as well as the work of volunteers helping to organize queues. In the expert's opinion, the traffic regulation near large gas stations could also involve traffic police officers more actively. However, Dakhin believes that such measures can only temporarily reduce tension. The main problem remains the increase in fuel supply volumes, which already depends on the capabilities of oil companies and decisions by federal authorities. The expert also pointed out that one of the discussed federal measures has been the import of gasoline. "This means that there are no more domestic reserve capacities, and Russia is becoming dependent on foreign states in terms of fuel," he said. In Dakhin's opinion, the current situation raises deeper questions. "The contours of the fuel crisis not only highlight these questions more vividly but also outline framework answers," the expert believes. He is convinced that the country needs a socio-economic model "where it is profitable to refine oil rather than sell it, profitable to build factories, produce, and implement advanced technologies." Read the full expert commentary here. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and operational information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+