Russia's fuel crisis continues, with long daily queues at petrol stations in Moscow. Some stations have completely run out of fuel. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
The mood among drivers is more frustrated than angry. Yekaterina said she was "not happy" and there was "panic because everybody thinks there will be no oil". Elmar described the situation as "very bad" and complained about rising prices. Valery said it was strange to queue in an oil-producing country and blamed both Russian unpreparedness and Ukrainian missiles.
President Vladimir Putin has tried to shield the public from the war's consequences, but Ukrainian drone and missile strikes targeting oil refineries are worsening the situation. Social media is full of images of drivers queuing for petrol. In Anapa, Cossacks have been deployed to maintain order. Some areas have banned jerry cans and reduced bus services and rubbish collection.
Putin acknowledged the problem, saying "it's not critical", but authorities have increased fuel imports and subsidised prices. A Levada Center poll shows Putin's approval rating has dropped to 74%. A Gallup poll found Russians' economic pessimism at its highest in 20 years.