The Max messenger has taken a significant step by blocking chat groups in at least four Russian regions, where users were actively tracking gas availability and exchanging information regarding queues at filling stations. This development was reported by the outlet 7×7.
Regional Impact of Chat Blockings
Reports of these deletions surfaced from community pages in Ivanovo, Vladimir, Tver, Krasnokamsk, and Chita. Notably, the chat group “Benzin 33” in the Vladimir region garnered an impressive 15,000 subscribers within just three days. Similarly, “Benzin Ivanovo” attracted around 8,000 members, while the Tver chat reached 9,000 subscribers.
The blocking of the Vladimir chat was attributed to a technical violation; any resource exceeding 10,000 subscribers is mandated to register with Russia’s federal media regulator, Roskomnadzor, as highlighted by the Vladimir-based news outlet Zebra TV. The reasons behind the blockings in the other regions remain unclear.
Fuel Crisis and Regulatory Actions
Russia is currently grappling with a fuel crisis, which escalated following Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. This crisis is now affecting an increasing number of regions, with authorities in over 20 areas implementing restrictions on gasoline sales. Reports indicate widespread shortages at gas stations across many other regions as well.
In a related regulatory move, the Federal Antimonopoly Service has prohibited the sale of gasoline on digital platforms. Listings for gasoline are being blocked during the moderation phase on popular e-commerce sites like Ozon and Wildberries, and are being concealed on Avito.
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