Aerial images reveal kilometers-long queues at Russian gas stations, hinting at supply disruptions and privileged access that could strain everyday life and local businesses.
A satellite image from Airbus captured a long line of cars at a gas station in the Zabaykalsky Krai of the Russian Federation: its length is estimated at about 4.5 kilometers, and the number of cars could have reached around 800.
The Center for Strategic Communications published this information on its Facebook page.
According to the records, similar queues have been confirmed in at least 13 regions of the country, including Moscow and the Moscow region.
In several regions, the police are responsible for maintaining order near gas stations, with participants in post-war movements and armed formations also involved. Government officials have priority in obtaining fuel.
The fuel shortage is attributed to systematic strikes by Ukrainian drones against Russia’s oil refineries. Since March, Ukrainian drones have attacked Russia’s oil industry facilities at least 50 times.
According to previously released materials, at the end of June Vladimir Putin for the first time acknowledged the difficulties faced by Russia’s population and businesses in purchasing gasoline.
Outlook for the fuel sector and implications for the population
The regional economies are under additional pressure from reduced fuel supplies and longer queues at fueling stations, which could worsen citizens’ daily lives and require prudent steps by authorities and the market.
The situation shows the regions’ dependence on supplies from oil refining and petrochemical facilities, and the need for coordination among regional authorities, law enforcement agencies, and fuel suppliers.
In the future, fuel costs for households and businesses will rise, and access-to-gasoline issues in certain areas of the country may worsen.
Nevertheless, the situation requires coordinated action among regional authorities, law enforcement agencies, and fuel suppliers to mitigate the impact on the population and stabilize the fuel market.
