In the south‑east of Moscow, a patron at a petrol station has been stuck in his car for two hours. The sign overhead has been changed, signaling that no fuel is available. Svyatoslav, a local driver, remains optimistic: "They say there will be petrol here, but not sure when—maybe today, maybe tomorrow." Yet he cannot drive away because his tank is almost empty.
Across the capital this week, long queues scene by scene have become a common sight. Russian officials attribute the crisis to "unscheduled repairs at oil refineries," themselves launched by Ukrainian drone strikes. These attacks have created a new wave of fuel shortages that outpace the country’s historic output of crude oil.
The government has begun importing petrol – an unprecedented step for an energy superpower – and has authorized short‑term production of lower‑grade fuel such as Euro 2 to meet demand. Officials warn that while such fuels will not destroy an engine outright, they can damage modern engine components over time. The move marks a stark departure from Russia’s prior stance on petroleum supply.
Beyond the technical details, citizens are noting the clear divide between their everyday struggles and the Kremlin’s toxic rhetoric. Independent columnist Andrei Kolesnikov points out that the public’s anxiety has reached a peak, with polls showing rising anxiety despite the official narrative of calm.
Yet patriotism shows little sign of waver. Series of public displays in Moscow on Russian Flag Day have seen children, candyfloss stalls, and even military hardware put on show. Volunteers are handing out tricolours, and singers proudly declare their love for the country. This patriotic fervour, supported by government propaganda, offers a counterpoint to the fuel crisis and serves as a rallying force for many citizens.
