A significant fuel shortage is affecting Moscow, with queues of cars and lorries at nearly every petrol station, and some stations completely out of fuel and closed. This shortage is notable given Moscow's status as Russia's wealthy capital, which typically receives ample resources.

Locals express concern and frustration. Yekaterina said she was "not happy" and described a "panic because everybody thinks there will be no oil." She added that the situation could improve if there was a reorganization of oil distribution. Another individual, Elmar, described the situation as "very bad" and noted that prices were rising as fuel stocks dwindled.

The shortages are causing practical difficulties; one person shared, "At the moment I am planning a trip to Dagestan but I don't know if I should drive there or not because there are so many problems with petrol."

Polls by Gallup indicate a broader economic pessimism among Russians, with 60% of respondents saying economic conditions in their areas are worsening—the highest level of pessimism in 20 years.

The fuel crisis and economic downturn come amid ongoing tensions related to the Ukraine conflict, raising questions about whether these pressures might influence Russia's strategic decisions.

Sources