Fuel crisis grips Russia: long lines at gas stations and gasoline shortages across dozens of regions.

Fuel collapse in Penza

According to UATV: Residents of Penza and the surrounding Penza Oblast in Russia are facing a severe fuel crisis, marked by long queues at gas stations and the closure of many outlets. People are waiting in line even during the night, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Some stations have shut down entirely, while strict limits on fuel sales have been imposed, confirming a real shortage.

Reasons behind the shortage and its fallout

The shortage has now spread to dozens of Russian regions. It stems from a combination of factors, including attacks on oil refineries. As one commentator put it,

“the fuel shortage has already hit dozens of regions in Russia. This is the direct price of the war that Putin started. Strikes on refineries show that a regime that profited from oil and gas revenues for years can no longer even provide fuel for its own citizens.”

In response to the crisis, Russia is in talks with Kazakhstan about importing roughly 50,000 metric tons of AI-92 gasoline. This move may be an attempt to ease the fuel deficit and stabilize conditions in the affected areas.

The ongoing fuel shortage in Russia highlights how military actions are impacting everyday life. Problems with fuel supply could increase social tensions and trigger similar breakdowns in other regions already feeling the strain. While discussions about importing fuel from Kazakhstan suggest Russia is seeking ways to address the crisis, the effectiveness of such measures remains uncertain given the escalating situation across the country.