Steve Rosenberg: Shortage of petrol but not patriotism as Russians feel growing impact of war
Russian citizens in Moscow are facing significant fuel shortages as oil refineries struggle with maintenance and the impact of Ukrainian drone strikes. Despite government efforts to maintain a patriotic atmosphere, the logistical strain on the fuel supply chain is causing long queues and frustration.
Why it matters
The fuel crisis highlights the tangible domestic impact of the ongoing war in Ukraine on the Russian civilian population and economy.
Image caption, Russians in Moscow are facing long queues for petrol
At a petrol station in the south-east of Moscow, Svyatoslav has been queuing in his car for two hours.
The sign board up ahead has just been changed to show there's no fuel.
"They say there will be petrol here," Svyatoslav tells me optimistically. "They just don't know when. Maybe today, maybe tomorrow."
I ask him why he doesn't drive off and look for another place to fill up.
"I haven't got enough in the tank to do that," Svyatoslav replies.
Even if he had, there'd be no quick fuel fix for Svyatoslav. This week across Moscow, and in other parts of Russia, there have been long queues for petrol.
"Unscheduled repairs at oil refineries," explain Russian officials.
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