Frustrated Moscow drivers face long queues to refill as fuel shortages return

In Moscow, commuters are enduring lengthy lines at gas stations as fuel shortages return, marking a second wave of the crisis caused by high seasonal demand and Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries. Gas stations in the city have reintroduced purchase limits due to the supply constraints, according to Reuters witnesses and fuel suppliers. The shortages emerged in May and expanded to most Russian regions by July. However, Moscow experienced a reprieve in June, allowing stations to ease earlier restrictions.

Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries with the intention of weakening Moscow's war efforts and diminishing energy revenues. Witnesses at some filling stations in Moscow and the surrounding area reported long queues, with some stretching up to a kilometer. Many stations either closed or provided only diesel fuel.

Residents, such as German, expressed frustration, stating, "I've gone to five petrol stations already and there was no fuel. Last week, fuel was available. And now, there is no fuel again." Taxi driver Marat echoed the sentiment, adding, "Everything is very bad. To find fuel, you probably need to drive across half of Moscow. And even in this case, you will not find it. You will have to wait for two or three hours in a queue."

Some motorists downplayed the shortages, expecting conditions to return to normal within a week or two. However, Russian authorities have taken steps to boost domestic supplies. They have banned exports of gasoline and diesel, relaxed fuel quality requirements, and initiated the import of petroleum products. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak confirmed on Wednesday that Russia, traditionally a net exporter of fuel and crude oil, has commenced fuel imports.