Gas Shortage on the M‑4 and in Sochi: How to Prepare for Your Trip

What's happening on the M‑4 and in Sochi

Since the beginning of August, regions from the Black Sea coast to the Urals have been feeling a tightening of gasoline supplies. At some stations the pumps are completely dry, while at others drivers spend five to six hours just to top off a normal tank. The most noticeable cluster of problems is the M‑4 "Don" highway and the resort city of Sochi.

Why these spots turned into "hot points"

The tourist season is at its peak, and fuel deliveries have already been hit by scheduled maintenance at refineries. On top of that, the region has recorded drone attacks that further hampered refinery operations. The result: even though about 89 % of stations in Krasnodar Krai still have fuel, long queues have formed on the M‑4 and in Sochi.

How the shortage feels on the ground

• M‑4 highway – from Rostov‑on‑Don to Voronezh it’s almost impossible to find a free pump in the evening. Drivers coming from Abkhazia often end up in the longest lines.
• Sochi – the city has imposed limits on fuel sales to private individuals. At some stations gasoline simply doesn’t appear, and at the others motorists have to wait several hours to fill 30 liters.
• Volunteers – volunteers have started showing up in the long queues, helping to organise the flow and keep order.

What this means for road‑trippers

If you plan to reach the Black Sea coast by car, be ready for a trip that can take considerably longer than usual. Queues may force you to postpone departure, reroute, or even switch to another mode of transport – train, plane, or, in extreme cases, a trip abroad.

Practical tips

1. Fill up early. Morning hours are the safest bet; most stations still have fuel then. By evening the stocks dry up fast.
2. Watch the direction of travel. On the southern stretch of the M‑4 gasoline is often more available than on the northern part. Sometimes a short detour to a different station saves you hours.
3. Prefer big chains. Large fuel‑station networks tend to be better stocked and can serve more cars quickly.
4. Carry a reserve. If you have a long leg ahead, keep enough fuel in the tank to cover a few hundred kilometres without refuelling.
5. Plan extra time. When you calculate your route, add at least half a day to the usual travel time to cover possible delays.
6. Stay updated. Local media frequently post real‑time information about station status, so keep an eye on the news.

How to behave in the queue

• Keep your documents and cash handy – it speeds things up when it’s your turn.
• If you can, chat with other drivers – they sometimes share tips about freer stations.
• If the line is excessively long, ask the volunteers whether there are alternative pump zones nearby.

Outlook for the near future

Until refinery supplies stabilise and external factors like drone attacks subside, the fuel situation in the region will stay volatile. Demand for alternative transport is expected to rise, and car trips will require more careful preparation.

Take‑aways for anyone planning a drive

• Preparation – check your fuel level and aim to refuel during the morning.
• Flexibility – be ready to change your route based on the current situation.
• Awareness – follow news about station operations and heed local authority recommendations.

With these pointers, your road trip through southern Russia should be less stressful, even if fuel queues keep many drivers on edge.

Based on materials from: trn-news.ru.