Petrol crisis hits southern Russian republic Source: BBC Monitoring Former Soviet Union - Political Publication date: 2000-07-13

Excerpt from report by Russian NTV on 13th July [Presenter] A petrol crisis has suddenly hit North Ossetia. There is no fuel at most petrol stations around the republic. Kilometre- long queues formed at those where there is still some petrol left. The lack of fuel affected not only private cars. The number of functioning minibus routes has been sharply reduced.

[Correspondent] There is no petrol. Such a situation became customary for petrol stations in North Ossetia during the last two days. Petrol disappeared so suddenly that drivers, who had experienced similar situations many times, failed to create an emergency reserve of fuel.

Nobody is certain as to where the petrol could have gone. Experts link it to recent debates in the State Duma. The deputies decided to raise petrol tax as of 1st January, 2001. Apparently this prompted an instant reaction by some entrepreneurs. They are trying to create a stir on the market long before New Year's Day.

[Driver, unnamed] It looks like they are waiting for price growth and holding back petrol.

[Correspondent] Law-enforcement bodies recently started a large- scale operation to liquidate illegal miniplants producing fuel and lubricates. One such plant was recently discovered on the border between North Ossetia and Ingushetia. Production was stopped there but it was unlikely to affect the general situation on the market

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-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), July 13, 2000