Putin’s Approval Rating Plunges to 66% as Russia’s Fuel Crisis Worsens.

Vladimir Putin’s Popularity Takes a Hit

According to Espreso.tv: Vladimir Putin’s approval rating has dropped to 66%, falling five percentage points in just one week, according to Russian media reports. Trust in the Russian president also declined, slipping from 69% to 67% in a survey conducted from July 10 to July 12. Data from the Russian Public Opinion Research Center (VTsIOM) shows that approval of Putin’s performance fell to 65.1% between July 6 and July 12. The current rate of decline exceeds the drop seen in fall 2022, pointing to growing public discontent. The share of Russians who “disapprove” of the president’s performance has reached 23.4%.

Russia’s Ongoing Fuel Crisis

Meanwhile, the country is grappling with a fuel crisis that began in late May 2023. On June 28, 2023, Putin acknowledged the existence of the fuel crisis in Russia. In response, on June 17, 2023, Russia announced plans to import gasoline by sea from Asian countries. On July 1, 2023, maritime gasoline deliveries from India began as part of a strategy to address the fuel shortage. On July 8, 2023, the Russian government imposed a ban on diesel exports in an effort to stabilize the domestic market.

These developments highlight the growing economic and social challenges facing Russia. The decline in presidential support amid the fuel crisis may signal rising public dissatisfaction, which could influence the country’s political direction. The government’s moves to import fuel and ban diesel exports are attempts to respond quickly to economic difficulties, but their effectiveness raises questions about the stability of the domestic market and public trust in the authorities.