Fuel shortages in Moscow have become the latest fallout of Russia's military campaign in Ukraine. People queue to refuel their cars at a Lukoil petrol station in Moscow on June 24, 2026. (Photo by Igor IVANKO / AFP)

The queues outside Moscow's fuel stations are unprecedented. At a Lukoil petrol station near Moscow's business district, taxi driver Safarali Nazarov stood in line for over an hour, just trying to refuel his car. Nazarov, 55, was visibly frustrated at the situation. "It's really, really tight," he said. "We stand in line for an hour, hour and a half … it's time to quit this job and leave."

Several regions in Russia have introduced petrol rationing, and some gas stations and chains have sold out or closed due to a lack of supplies. The situation is particularly severe in areas outside of Moscow, where residents are struggling to find fuel.

Ukraine has intensified its campaign of long-range drone strikes against Russia's energy facilities, with the aim of cutting off a vital source of revenue for the Kremlin. Last week, a major oil refinery on the outskirts of Moscow was hit, pouring thick black smoke over the capital.

Moscow has restricted exports and ordered retailers to provide live data on availability at the pumps to marshall the state's response. However, despite these measures, fuel shortages remain widespread.

"You drive 200 kilometres away from Moscow and they don't give you more than 10 litres. In some places they don't give any at all," Nazarov said.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has assured President Vladimir Putin that the fuel shortages are "not simple" but "under control," although officials have not linked the shortages to the wave of recent strikes.

The annexed Crimean peninsula has completely banned sales of petrol to the public, while southern Russia has been most heavily affected by the shortages.

Key Facts:

  • 15 vehicles waited in line at the Lukoil petrol station near Moscow's business district.
  • Russia has introduced petrol rationing in several regions.
  • Some gas stations and chains have sold out or closed due to a lack of supplies.
  • Ukraine has intensified its campaign of long-range drone strikes against Russia's energy facilities.
  • A major oil refinery on the outskirts of Moscow was hit last week, pouring thick black smoke over the capital.

And as the Russian economy struggles to cope with the shortages, Moscow residents continue to face the reality of long fuel queues.

But the situation in Moscow's fuel stations has not been without warning. In April, Russia's energy minister warned that the country's oil production could decline significantly due to the Ukrainian conflict.

The impact of the conflict on Russia's economy has been severe, with many experts predicting a sharp decline in economic growth this year.

The fuel shortages in Moscow are a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and its far-reaching consequences for the Russian economy.