Local officials in the Novgorod region of Russia have begun handing out petrol to residents affected by prolonged power cuts after heavy snowfall disrupted the electricity supply across wide areas.
Authorities in the Krestetsky district said the petrol was being provided free of charge to people in settlements left without power, and that distribution would continue on Saturday, 3 January. The municipal head, Sergei Yakovlev, posted details of the relief effort on his VKontakte page and attached a photograph showing residents queuing with jerrycans at a filling station.
Russia power outages leave thousands without electricity
Officials reported that roughly 1,400 residents in 120 settlements in the region remain without electricity. Power disruptions have been recorded in several administrative areas, including Valdai, Parfino, Demyansk, Marevo and Malovishery. The regional emergencies ministry (EMERCOM) said its teams have organised deliveries of generators and bottled water to the most affected communities.
The immediate distribution of petrol is designed to help households and local facilities run generators and heating equipment while repair crews work to restore the grid. Local officials said they will announce the precise locations and times for fuel handouts ahead of the next distribution day.
Heavy snowfall, which authorities identified as the primary cause of the outages, has hindered restoration efforts and damaged power lines in several districts. Repair teams are continuing around-the-clock work where conditions allow, prioritising critical infrastructure and settlements with vulnerable residents.
In a separate, earlier update, the governor of Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratiev, reported that about 43,000 people in that region lost power due to adverse weather. The incidents across different regions underscore the scale of the storm’s impact and the strain it has placed on local utilities and emergency services.
Residents who depend on electrically powered medical devices or heating systems have been advised to register their needs with local authorities to receive priority assistance. Emergency crews are also coordinating with social services to ensure that elderly residents and families with young children have access to warm shelters, water and essential supplies.
Authorities emphasised that fuel distribution is a temporary measure while teams work to repair damaged lines and restore normal power. They urged residents to follow safety guidance when using generators and portable heating devices, including keeping equipment outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces to avoid carbon monoxide risks.
As the recovery operation continues, officials said they would provide regular updates through municipal channels and social media. For now, the distribution of petrol, delivery of generators and bottled water aim to reduce immediate hardship and maintain essential services until electricity is fully restored.
Key Takeaways:
- Russia power outages have left about 1,400 people across 120 settlements in Novgorod region without electricity.
- Local authorities in Krestetsky district began free petrol distribution and will continue issuing fuel on 3 January.
- The regional emergency service is delivering generators and bottled water to affected settlements amid heavy snowfall.
- Nearby regions, including Krasnodar Krai, have also reported large-scale outages from severe weather.
