Widespread Fuel Crisis Grips Russia
Residents across Russia are experiencing significant disruptions to their daily lives as fuel shortages become increasingly prevalent. Drivers are reportedly spending hours, and in some cases, days, waiting in lines to refuel their vehicles. This escalating crisis has led to widespread frustration, with reports of altercations breaking out among individuals vying for a limited supply of gasoline. The primary cause cited for this situation is an intensified campaign of Ukrainian drone strikes against Russia's oil infrastructure.
Over recent months, Ukrainian forces have reportedly escalated their drone attacks, targeting numerous Russian oil refineries. A notable incident on July 6 involved a strike on the Omsk refinery, located approximately 2,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. This attack is part of a broader strategy that has seen Ukraine target Russia's ten largest oil refineries, spanning from the Leningrad region to Omsk, thereby exacerbating the national fuel crisis.
Daily Life Severely Affected
The impact of these shortages is profoundly felt across various regions. Many gas stations have reportedly ceased operations, while the few that remain open draw extensive queues. A resident of Gelendzhik described her three-day ordeal attempting to refuel her car, including spending a night at a gas station, only to be unsuccessful. She characterized the situation as a 'fight for survival,' attributing the problem not only to supply issues but also to resellers who are allegedly purchasing fuel at regular prices and then selling it at inflated rates.
Social media accounts and witness videos suggest that the city of Chita, in Russia's Transbaikal region, is experiencing some of the most severe conditions. Drivers there are reportedly waiting in line for up to 36 hours for fuel, with some even running out of gasoline and having to push their vehicles. There are also claims of individuals selling their positions in these queues for substantial sums, reportedly up to 35,000 rubles (approximately €400 or $460).
The fuel scarcity is compelling many Russians to alter their routines. Carpooling for errands and school runs has become more common, and a growing number of people are switching to public transportation. However, these alternative services are also feeling the strain. Reports from the newspaper Kommersant indicate that taxi drivers are reducing their working hours and increasingly declining longer trips, particularly in major cities, leading to a rise in fares.
Unconventional Adaptations and Official Responses
In some rural areas, residents are turning to unconventional solutions. The Telegram channel Mash cited horse breeders reporting a significant increase in demand for workhorses, which are being utilized for forestry, haymaking, and general farm tasks. Similarly, demand for bicycles has surged, with CDEK.Shopping reporting a 131% increase in sales in June compared to May, and a 263% jump in ad revenue for the category. Bicycles are increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to cars for daily commutes.
One Krasnodar resident expressed her frustration, stating, "Hooray! I'm officially a pedestrian now," after being unable to refuel her car because a local gas station was reportedly reserving fuel for "special vehicles." The independent Russian outlet 7x7 claimed that this category includes government officials, documenting instances in at least four regions where fuel was exclusively sold to individuals possessing official government identification.
Despite the widespread reports and visible queues, national authorities have largely denied a systemic fuel shortage. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak attributed the crisis to panic buying and speculative activities, stating that while nationwide demand has increased by 20-30%, supply disruptions are confined to individual gas stations. He asserted that sufficient fuel exists and the issue could be resolved through restructuring. Regional governors, such as those in Krasnodar, Irkutsk, and Pskov, echoed these sentiments, blaming retailers for fueling public anxiety. Pskov Governor Mikhail Vedernikov noted that people fear losing their ability to commute and conduct daily activities, leading taxi drivers, small businesses, and farmers to stock up, thereby increasing demand.
Public Sentiment and Political Implications
The ongoing crisis appears to be impacting public confidence in the government. A poll conducted by the Russian Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) between June 19 and 21 indicated a five-point drop in President Vladimir Putin's approval rating, falling from 74% to 69% within a week. This marks the lowest approval level recorded since the commencement of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Concurrently, concerns regarding the country's economic situation, particularly rising prices and the cost of living, are growing among the populace.
Nina Ostanina, a member of the Duma, criticized the government's perceived silence on the issue, particularly given that nearly one-third of Russia's oil refineries are reportedly non-operational. She questioned why key agricultural officials were not addressing the crisis ahead of the harvest season, warning of potential grain shortages under international sanctions. While public sentiment reflects economic anxieties, an independent Levada Center poll in June suggested an increase in support for the war in Ukraine, with 30% of respondents now backing it, a six-percentage-point rise since March 2026. Conversely, support for peace negotiations has reportedly decreased by seven percentage points since February 2025, with 60% of respondents favoring talks.
Source: Original Article
