Rosenberg: Shortage of petrol but not patriotism as Russians feel growing impact of war

A shortage of petrol in Russia has led to long queues at petrol stations, but it appears not to be as much a symbol of patriotism as authorities claim. In the south-east of Moscow, Svyatoslav had been queuing for two hours when he spoke to a reporter, despite the station's reassurances of fuel availability. He expressed frustration at not knowing when or if more petrol would arrive.

This fuel shortage follows unscheduled repairs at oil refineries caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities. These attacks have brought the war closer to home for Russians. Long queues have appeared in Moscow, with some stations like the one Svyatoslav visited having 80 cars in line. The government has attempted to address the crisis by importing petrol and allowing the production and sale of lower-grade petrol, but experts warn that this can harm modern car engines.

The Kremlin's denial of the crisis' severity and its focus on patriotism have not been well-received, as recent polls show rising societal anxiety. Despite the shortage, some manage to find comfort in patriotism, with patriotic displays and displays of military hardware at local events, but the war's impact remains a constant concern for many Russians.