The fuel supply situation at gas stations across Russia has improved as several oil refineries have completed maintenance, resulting in a better balance between supply and demand, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters, according to Izvestia. A number of refineries have resumed operations, so the balance (between supply and demand) is now better. Operations remain stable, with oil companies and vertically integrated companies supplying all the necessary volumes," Novak said. On July 8, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a government meeting that the country's fuel supply difficulties were temporary and that Russia's energy sector had a substantial safety margin. Major oil companies are prioritizing fuel deliveries to regions served by independent fuel retailers.