Russia’s Oil Shortage Bites – But Will Putin Change Resolution In Ukraine War?

If you want to know the feeling of the oil crisis in Russia, all you have to do is drive around Moscow for a day. There was a queue of cars and trucks at almost every gas station. Some lines were long, some short; Some are static, while others are constantly moving.

If there is no queue, the garage is completely out of gas and closed.

Remember: this is Moscow, a rich, populous capital that attracts a lot of Russian resources. Even here, the authorities cannot ensure that there is enough fuel and diesel to keep the Muscovites on the road.

Yet, in the procession, his mood was more frustrated than angry. Yekaterina told us that she was “not happy” and that “there was a panic because everyone thought there would be no oil”. But it doesn’t matter, she said, “we just need to reorganize the oil distribution.”

According to Elmar, the situation was “very bad” and he complained about the price increase due to the decrease in oil reserves. “They’re wasting hours to fill,” he said. “I’m currently planning to travel to Dagestan, but I don’t know if I should drive there because there are so many problems with fuel.”

I asked him who was responsible. “In our country, you can’t say who is guilty and responsible,” he smiled knowingly.

Criticism of the president or the Kremlin in Russia is not something they feel they can do publicly.

Valerie said it was strange to have queues in a country that produces so much oil. He blamed Russia’s lack of preparedness as much as Ukraine’s missiles. I have no interest in getting used to queuing. “I hope the situation will change soon and not continue.”

So the war is hitting home for many across Russia.

President Vladimir Putin has worked hard to save most people from the consequences of his special military campaign, now in its fifth year. On the streets of Moscow, only a few posters about the brave soldiers can see a small sign of the war.