Fuel shortages deepen in Russia even as patriotism stays strong

Long queues have again formed at petrol stations across Moscow and other Russian cities this week. Officials attribute the shortages to "unscheduled repairs" at oil refineries, though these repairs stem from long-range Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil facilities. A similar crisis hit earlier this summer, but the current queues are even longer, with authorities struggling to fix refining capacity and logistics problems.

Drivers interviewed described waiting hours for fuel, finding stations closed overnight, or passing a string of empty petrol stations on the way into the capital. One newspaper described a "second wave" of the fuel crisis building.

To ease shortages, Russia has begun importing petrol — a striking step for a country regarded as an energy superpower and a leading global crude oil exporter. The government has also temporarily allowed production and sale of lower-grade Euro 2 petrol, banned since 2013, which contains far more sulphur than modern fuel and, according to a state newspaper, can damage components in modern engines over time.

Beyond oil facilities, Ukrainian strikes have also hit distribution centres belonging to Wildberries, Russia's equivalent of Amazon, disrupting shoppers and hurting sellers financially. President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that strikes on industrial and infrastructure targets cause damage, but insisted there are no critical consequences.

A columnist for independent outlet Novaya Gazeta said there is a disconnect between Putin's portrayal of events and how ordinary Russians feel. Recent polling, including by the Public Opinion Foundation, indicates rising anxiety in society. Even so, Moscow held a Russian Flag Day celebration this week, with flags handed out to residents and children invited to examine military equipment, including hand-held rocket launchers, on public display.