Azimuth Airlines Grounded by Jet Fuel Crisis
Azimuth Airlines has declared flight operations economically unviable due to a severe jet fuel shortage, following a force majeure declaration by its primary supplier.
Supplier Cuts Deliveries by a Third
In early June, the airline's main fuel supplier reduced deliveries by approximately one-third, citing force majeure at Russian oil refineries. Alternative suppliers have also reported insufficient stock to meet demand, leaving the carrier with no immediate relief.
Prices Spike Up to 64%
Since June, jet fuel prices at Russian airports have increased by an average of 17%. In Makhachkala, the price has surged by 64%, reaching 157,000 rubles per ton. Azimuth Airlines has formally requested that the Association of Air Transport Operators appeal to the Energy Ministry to stabilize the market.
Root Cause: Intensified Attacks on Refineries
The fuel crisis began in late May 2026, coinciding with intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. According to Reuters, gasoline production fell by approximately 25% between June 15 and 21 compared to the average daily output in June 2025.
Regional Fuel Sales Restricted
The disruption has cascaded into the consumer market. Fuel sales restrictions for cars have been introduced in several regions, including:
- Central Russia
- Irkutsk
- Omsk
- Novosibirsk
- Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug
Government Response: "Difficult but Under Control"
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the situation as "difficult but under control." He characterized the shortages as "periodic logistical problems in certain regions and at certain gas stations," downplaying the severity of the nationwide fuel crunch.