In early February, residents of Ruhnu island faced challenges when air links to the mainland were disrupted for several days. By the end of the month, a more pressing concern emerged: a critical shortage of automotive gasoline on the island. This situation has forced residents to make tough decisions about how to allocate their limited resources, prioritizing essential needs over convenience. Marten Riisenberg, a volunteer firefighter on the island, noted that he had to sacrifice automotive fuel for use in his chainsaw, emphasizing the community's focus on obtaining necessary supplies for survival rather than personal transportation.

The local administration has not left the residents without support. The situation has been promptly escalated to various ministries, and the state shipping fleet is working to address the fuel crisis. Maret Pärnamets, the mayor of Ruhnu, informed the Postimees that the government's shipping fleet is set to provide assistance to resolve the fuel shortage on the island. As the community grapples with resource management, the involvement of local authorities signals an organized response to ensure that residents have access to essential fuel supplies amid ongoing challenges.

The unfolding crisis illustrates not only the logistical vulnerabilities faced by isolated communities like Ruhnu but also highlights the resilience of its residents. While the immediate concern centers on fuel shortage, the broader narrative stresses the importance of collaborative efforts between local governments and national resources in crisis management. This situation serves as a reminder of the need for persistent infrastructure improvements to better support remote locations.