Could Russia's growing fuel crisis help end the Ukraine war?

A fuel crisis in Russia has been triggered by attacks on oil refineries, affecting at least 30 regions. This crisis is particularly impacting Moscow and the surrounding area, where gas stations have restricted fuel sales. The situation is causing economic problems, with taxi drivers, courier services, and the construction industry losing business due to fuel dependency.

Local residents are queuing for hours at gas stations, and real estate agents report a decline in activity. Russian authorities blame the crisis on increased demand during the holiday season, but many locals disagree. The economist Nikolai Korzhenevsky warns that the ongoing issues in the oil and gas industry could lead to a systemic crisis, potentially causing production to drop to 8 million barrels per day.

The Russian government plans to import fuel from countries like India and China, but this may not be feasible due to Russia's current isolation. Fuel shortages are causing resentment among residents, and the government is allowing essential services and security personnel to bypass the queues. Former Russian economist Igor Lipsits draws parallels between the current situation and the collapse of the Soviet Union, suggesting that a closed fuel distribution system could create a luxury for driving, further eroding public trust in Vladimir Putin's regime.