Hours-long lines for gasoline formed in Moscow following attacks on oil refineries
In Moscow and other regions of Russia, drivers are standing in long lines for gasoline, and at some gas stations, the fuel runs out before motorists reach the pumps. According to BBC News, at one gas station in southeast Moscow, a driver named Svyatoslav waited two hours for fuel, but a sign later indicated that it was out of stock.
Russian officials from the aggressor state attribute the shortages to unscheduled repairs at oil refineries. BBC News reports that the repairs were caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities. The publication also notes that the authorities appear to be facing difficulties with refining capacity and logistics, and that the lines in Moscow are longer this time than during the previous fuel shortage.
At one of Moscow’s gas stations, a BBC journalist counted 80 cars in line. A driver named Yelizaveta said she arrived to get gas at 11:00 p.m., but after midnight, when she reached the front of the line, the gas station closed until 2:00 a.m. Another driver, Lyubov, reported that on her way to Moscow from the regions, she saw gas stations with no fuel.
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To alleviate the shortage, Russia has begun importing gasoline. The authorities have also temporarily authorized the production and sale of Euro-2-grade fuel, which has been banned in Russia since 2013. According to the government-run newspaper *Rossiyskaya Gazeta*, regular use of such gasoline can place additional strain on the fuel injectors, spark plugs, oxygen sensors, catalytic converters, and particulate filters in modern cars.
Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged this week that attacks on industrial facilities and infrastructure are causing damage, but stated that there have been no critical consequences. At the same time, according to surveys, particularly those by the Public Opinion Foundation, anxiety is growing among the Russian public. Amid long lines for fuel in Moscow, events were held to mark Russian Flag Day, where visitors were given tricolor flags and children were shown military weapons.
