Deadly Lines at Gas Stations in Russia: Kremlin Cuts Fuel Sales After Ukrainian Strikes.

Fuel Crisis in Russia

According to UATV: Long queues have formed at gas stations across Russia as oil refining has plunged to historic lows, tragically resulting in deaths while people waited in line. The Kremlin has imposed strict limits on fuel sales outside Moscow, which has only worsened the situation.

Russia has lost roughly 40% of its refining capacity, according to available data. In July 2023, the volume of oil processed dropped to its lowest point since 2005. As a result, one in three gas stations nationwide now has no gasoline available. In some regions, the problem is even more severe, with nearly half of all stations closed.

Fatalities and Consequences

Over the past few days, two people have died while waiting in gas station lines. One incident occurred in Perm Krai, where an 80-year-old man passed away, and another in Karelia, where a 75-year-old motorist died. Meanwhile, 85% of gas stations in Moscow reported no fuel shortages in the last 24 hours, but this has done little to ease rising tensions elsewhere.

It is also worth noting that over the last 100 days, Ukraine's defense forces have carried out around 50 strikes on Russian fuel infrastructure, hitting at least 24 of the country's 34 largest oil refineries. These factors are severely complicating the nation's fuel supply situation.

The fuel crisis in Russia highlights serious economic and social problems stemming from lost refining capacity and the ongoing war in Ukraine.

Growing unrest at gas stations and deaths in queues underscore the deep impact on the population, especially in regions suffering from fuel shortages. The Kremlin's restrictions on fuel sales could trigger even greater social tension and protests among the public.