Russian deputy PM calls for fuel market forecasts to prevent shortages

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak called for the establishment of a system of forecasts to guard against difficulties in fuel distribution and meeting domestic demand, the Russian government said late on Thursday.



A statement on the government website said Novak called for the creation of a forecast model after a late evening cabinet meeting.



"Alexander Novak issued instructions for the creation of a forecast model of the fuel market situation development on a regional level, with the most detailed breakdown of all possible parameters," the statement said.



It said the system would help identify bottlenecks and adopt preventive measures.



"All mechanisms in operation should be set up in a way that guarantees stable supplies and balanced prices for everyone in the market," the statement quoted Novak as saying.



The meeting took place against fuel shortages in Russian-held Crimea, where petrol stations were out of supplies on Thursday, according to Reuters witnesses.