Russia is suffering its most significant fuel shortage since the start of its full-scale military campaign in Ukraine in 2022, with petrol supplies becoming increasingly difficult to obtain across much of the country following repeated attacks on energy infrastructure.
The shortages have affected dozens of regions, including Vologda, which is around 480 kilometres north of Moscow, where motorists have reported visiting multiple filling stations before finding fuel.
Long queues have become a common sight as drivers wait for supplies at the few petrol stations that remain operational.
Among those affected were Yelena and Dmitry, a couple travelling back to their home in Vologda. They stopped at four different filling stations without success before eventually finding fuel at a fifth location.
While waiting in their vehicle, Yelena described the situation as difficult.
She stated, “The situation is terrible. There is no other way but to wait. Let’s see if we can get some gas.”
Russia, one of the world’s largest crude oil producers and exporters, has traditionally enjoyed abundant and relatively inexpensive fuel supplies compared with many European countries.
However, recent disruptions have changed that picture, with prolonged waits and supply shortages becoming part of daily life in many areas.
According to AFP, media reports and official data indicate that more than 90 per cent of Russia’s regions have experienced either fuel rationing or supply shortages since June.
Several filling stations have temporarily closed due to limited supplies, while those remaining open are seeing lengthy queues throughout the day.
The shortages follow a series of Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian oil facilities and energy infrastructure, which have damaged refining capacity and disrupted fuel distribution networks.
Kyiv has repeatedly targeted energy assets as part of its wider military strategy, although independent verification has not yet confirmed the full extent of the damage.
The Kremlin has sought to reassure the public, describing the shortages as a “not-so-serious” issue. Russian officials have maintained that Ukraine is attempting to create fear and undermine public confidence through attacks on critical infrastructure.
Despite those assurances, frustration appears to be growing in many parts of the country, particularly outside Moscow. In a nation where private vehicles remain an essential means of transport across vast distances, limited fuel availability is having a direct impact on daily routines, travel and local businesses.
With demand continuing to outstrip available supplies in several regions, motorists are increasingly being forced to travel from one filling station to another in search of petrol, while uncertainty remains over when normal fuel distribution will resume.
