War reaches gas stations in Russia amid widespread fuel shortages

Russian citizens like Yelena and Dmitry are struggling to find fuel, having visited four gas stations before locating one with supply on their return to Vologda, a city approximately 480 kilometers north of Moscow. The Vologda region, like most of Russia, faces a fuel deficit, with escalating Ukrainian strikes on Russian fuel depots disrupting daily life more than at any point since the conflict began in 2022. This situation is particularly striking for Russia, a major oil producer where fuel was previously abundant and inexpensive.

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What a terrible situation, we can only wait, and we'll see if there's any fuel left.

For weeks, waiting in lines for fuel has become a common sight, causing tension at gas stations. "What a terrible situation, we can only wait, and we'll see if there's any fuel left," Elena said angrily while waiting with her husband. Russian authorities have downplayed the crisis, calling it non-critical, while President Vladimir Putin has warned that Ukraine aims to sow discord and panic among Russians. However, discontent is spreading among car owners, for whom vehicles are the primary mode of transport across Russia's vast distances.

According to a Reuters tally based on media reports and official data, over 90% of Russian regions have experienced rationing or shortages since June. The crisis has forced some gas stations in Vologda to close, while others, mostly owned by major Russian oil companies, have seen long queues of drivers. Some measures, such as Moscow's initial ban on exports of certain gasoline and jet fuels, later expanded to include diesel, appear to be yielding results. Drivers in Moscow and Vologda report shorter queues and more frequent refueling.

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Ukraine is trying to damage the Russian economy and create tension in society.

Ukraine justifies its strikes on Russian energy infrastructure as retaliation for Moscow's attacks on its cities and a means to undermine Russia's war funding. Putin, in turn, seeks to reassure Russians, stating that Ukraine's attempts to harm the Russian economy and create societal tension will fail due to the high safety margin in Russia's energy network. Yet, Vologda, located about 1,000 kilometers from Ukraine, feels the consequences of Russia's February 2022 invasion. Some drivers in Vologda blame the West, echoing the official narrative, with one driver, Yegor, suggesting that Western allies are responsible for the shortages.

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The reason is that your allies are bombing us.