Austria has too little diesel, reports the Presse at Tuesday evening. The state emergency reserve might be accessed for the second time in the next two days. In the past two days, individual, smaller gas stations have run out of diesel, and the shortage is expected to worsen by the end of the summer.
There are several reasons for the shortage: First, because Europe imports diesel – more is consumed than is produced. Second, more fuel is needed because there is more mobility as the pandemic ebbs. Thirdly, imports from Russia are avoided, although the oil embargo is not yet officially in force.
The fourth reason: Several refineries in Europe are currently at a standstill due to maintenance work. And during such maintenance work, Austria’s only refinery in Schwechat broke down. The repairs should be completed by the fall.