Gennady Onishchenko, a former chief sanitary doctor and member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, said in a radio interview that the fuel shortage has a positive side, arguing that fewer cars on the road will lead to cleaner air and more physical activity among Muscovites. He urged citizens not to panic and to use the metro instead.
The Zioneer has previously covered the deepening fuel shortage in Russia, including reports of deserted roads and an oily "black rain" falling on Moscow after a drone strike on oil facilities. The latest statement from a former senior health official represents a notable public perspective on the crisis, framing the disruption as beneficial for public health and the environment. Onishchenko's comments, made on the radio station Govorit Moskva, come amid growing concern over supply disruptions and rising gasoline prices in multiple regions. No data was provided to support his claims, and the interview did not address the broader economic impact of the shortage.
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- StrongNo fuel available at Novorossiysk stations; refueling limited to fuel cards
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