Moscow fuel stations reimpose purchase limits amid gasoline shortages

Moscow, Russia. Fuel stations in Moscow have reimposed limits on gasoline purchases as motorists faced queues lasting hours, in a second wave of shortages linked to high seasonal demand and Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries.

Reuters witnesses reported queues of up to one kilometre at filling stations in Moscow and the surrounding region, while many stations were closed or offered only diesel.

Shortages spread across regions

Fuel shortages began to gather pace in May and had spread to most Russian regions by July. Moscow filling stations had eased an earlier round of restrictions in June, but limits have now returned, according to Reuters witnesses and fuel suppliers.

Ukraine has targeted Russian oil refineries in an effort to undermine Moscow’s war effort and reduce energy revenues.

Motorists report long searches

A Moscow resident identified as German told Reuters he had visited five petrol stations without finding fuel.

“We have been to five petrol stations already and there was no fuel. Last week, fuel was available. And now, there is no fuel again,” he said.

Taxi driver Marat said drivers could spend hours looking for fuel and waiting in queues.

“Everything is very bad. To find fuel, you probably need to drive across half of Moscow. And even in this case, you will not find it. You will have to wait for two or three hours in a queue,” he said.

Some other motorists downplayed the shortages.