28 June 2026

As the gasoline crisis worsens daily, Russians are posting videos predicting the coming of “hard times.” Fuel shortages, queues at gas stations, fights and conflicts over fuel, and new sales limits are spreading across more and more regions. According to recent reports, various types of restrictions are already in effect in 60 Russian regions and occupied Crimea; official government restrictions have been introduced in at least some regions.
“The most terrible massacre will soon begin. A massacre for gasoline. We will fight with our neighbors over a can of this very same fuel. We will rob each other, sucking the last drops of 95 octane from the tank. The most terrible era of the bright, near future is coming. Brace yourself, brothers!” he declared.
Against this backdrop, one Russian recorded an emotional video in which he predicted widespread conflicts between people over gasoline, fuel theft, and a new “terrible era.” Restrictions have already been introduced in various forms: some ban fueling into canisters, others only sell gasoline directly into a vehicle’s tank, and still others set limits of 30–40 liters per fill. Hromadske reported that limits have been imposed in more than 50 regions of Russia, including the Saratov, Omsk, Amur, Tambov, Lipetsk, Tula, Tver, and Vladimir regions. Z-war correspondent Romanov writes that the country is burning.
Users note that the gasoline crisis is becoming one of the most tangible consequences of the war for Russians. Attacks on refineries, fuel logistics, and supplies are no longer just news stories, but rather queues, restrictions, and the fear of running out of fuel. Following the Russian government, ordinary Russians have acknowledged that a large-scale fuel crisis has begun in the country. Russian drivers are posting photos and videos online of empty gas stations or huge queues. One owner posted a video online admitting he “just filled up 30 liters.” “Guys, this is a ‘funny’ situation with fuel. Congratulations to everyone. We’ve finally reached the limit. This is clearly the limit. Anti-crisis measures need to be taken,” said a Russian motorist.
Russia’s massive fuel shortages began after Ukraine intensified airstrikes against Russian oil refineries in the spring of 2026. Kyiv hopes that if the Russian army is left without fuel and funding, dictator Vladimir Putin will agree to end the war. Problems with motor fuel are currently being reported in most regions of Russia. These are due to strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Russian oil refineries, which supply fuel to the Russian occupation army. Furthermore, the Kremlin is spending money earned from oil exports to continue the war against Ukraine. Therefore, Russian oil refineries are a legitimate target for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.