Russian Region Advises Remote Work to Cut Fuel Use

Officials in Russia's Tomsk region directed government employees and residents to work remotely and limit travel after fuel shortages worsened. The regional government said vehicles used by the governor's office, regional legislature, human rights commissioner, and other state agencies consume roughly 4,000 gallons of gasoline each month.

It recommended online meetings and more detailed planning for official trips to reduce fuel consumption.

Novosibirsk has taken similar steps.

Konstantin Khalzov, the deputy governor, signed a decree recommending that businesses allow employees to work remotely, except for essential workers. The order also encourages residents to limit the use of private vehicles and ensure they have sufficient fuel before making necessary trips.

Background The measures come after Ukraine struck the Omsk oil refinery, one of Russia's largest, on July 6. Omsk borders both Tomsk and Novosibirsk, and damage to the refinery has disrupted fuel supplies across parts of Siberia. Ukraine has launched more than two dozen strikes against oil refineries since March, including attacks on eight of the country's 10 largest facilities.