(MOSCOW) – Fuel shortages have returned to Moscow and other Russian cities as Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries continue to disrupt the country’s energy infrastructure. Long queues at petrol stations have reappeared across the capital, with residents reporting waits of several hours and many stations running out of petrol entirely.
The shortages began in June 2026 and were temporarily alleviated by importing refined fuel from Belarus, India and Kazakhstan. However, the imports have proved insufficient to meet demand, and a second wave of shortages has now hit.
Residents have expressed frustration at the situation. “I’ve just driven past five petrol stations and there’s no petrol at any of them,” one woman said in a video posted on social media. “Honestly, the situation isn’t funny anymore.”
Another resident reported standing in line for five and a half hours only to see the petrol run out. “I stood in line for five and a half hours and the petrol ran out. I’m just going home now to park the car. I don’t know what to do next,” he said.
There have also been reports that petrol is being reserved for government vehicles, including those belonging to the Ministry of Defence and police. “There is petrol, but ordinary people cannot buy it. Only those with some kind of special cars, the Ministry of Defence, police and so on,” one resident claimed.
Energy Minister’s Response
Russia’s Energy Minister was questioned about the crisis on 18th August. When asked when petrol would return to Moscow, he initially responded, “No comment.” He later added, “There is petrol at petrol stations too. It’s true that there are lines. I agree with you. But we are actively working to resolve this issue.”
Low Grade Fuel Damaging Vehicles
In an attempt to address the shortage, Russian authorities have reportedly allowed refineries to produce lower grade fuel. Videos circulating on social media show the damage this fuel is causing to vehicles.
One video shows a Lada Samara that has reportedly been damaged by the poor quality petrol. Another shows a fuel tester that fails to recognise the substance as petrol, reading below 80% purity. “The device reads up to 80%. So it got to be below 80% petrol. The rest, I don’t know what it is,” one user said.
Fuel filters are also being affected. One video shows a fuel filter that has been used for just two months but appears severely clogged. “This is never, even after two years, a fuel filter supposed to look like this,” the user said.
In Belgorod, which is close to the Ukrainian border and experiences frequent drone attacks, one petrol station has been entirely covered with anti drone nets. The station appears to be non operational, with no prices displayed and the entrance blocked.
Water Crisis in Tyumen
The fuel crisis has overshadowed a separate water crisis in the city of Tyumen, where approximately 800,000 residents have been affected by contaminated drinking water. In July, sewage and animal carcasses reportedly mixed with the drinking water supply in the main piping system.
Residents have been forced to queue for water trucks, with footage showing crowds swarming a newly arrived water tanker. The city’s piping system dates back to the Soviet era and has not been replaced in decades.
Rural Russia Remains Neglected
Beyond the cities, rural Russia continues to suffer from decades of underinvestment. Images from Google Maps show dilapidated stores and crumbling infrastructure in small towns and villages. “We had this 30 years ago. The whole Soviet Union was like this 30 years ago,” one commentator noted. “And in Russia, nothing changed.”
The Cost of War
The report also highlighted the financial cost of Russia’s continued missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. According to one analysis, a single night of attacks on Kyiv involving six Iskander missiles and 106 Shahed drones costs approximately $21 million (£16.5 million, €19 million).
At current exchange rates, that amounts to roughly 1.75 billion roubles. The charity foundation Alesia is currently raising money for the treatment of 32 critically ill Russian children. The cost of one night of missile attacks could fund treatment for all of them and many more.
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