Fuel shortages spread across some regions in Russia, prompting restrictions on sales

Gasoline shortages are sweeping across some regions of Russia, and local authorities in at least 10 regions have resumed controls on sales of car fuel. 

Witnesses reported Monday that gasoline was unavailable at some gas stations in the Moscow region, but diesel fuel was available at almost all stations, NBC reported. 

The crisis began gaining momentum in May, and by July, it had spread to almost all regions of Russia as drone attacks shutdown several refineries. The seasonal rise in demand has only exacerbated the problem. 

Authorities have banned exports of gasoline and diesel fuel, lowered quality requirements, and begun importing petroleum products. 

By the end of July, the situation had improved, with some regions seeing restrictions lifted. However, new waves of drone attacks on oil refineries in late July and early August revived the shortages.