Moscow drivers face hours-long lines at gas stations amid widespread fuel shortage

AKIPRESS.COM – Automobilists in Moscow are waiting in lines for hours at fuel stations due to a severe gasoline shortage, Meduza reported.

The fuel crisis has affected most regions across Russia, including the capital. Long queues are seen at many stations in recent days, while stations that only have diesel fuel available are seeing no such rush. Staff at several gas stations have banned individuals from taking photos or videos, claiming the facilities are considered “special-status sites.”

Most stations operated by the Lukoil network are either temporarily closed or only dispensing diesel fuel. Meanwhile, stations under the Neftmagistral network are facing shortages of specific octane grades. Some Gazprom stations remain operational but completely lack AI-92 gasoline, or similarly have only diesel available.

The most stable conditions are currently found at Rosneft stations, where gasoline is available at many locations, though sales are strictly capped at 50 liters per customer. Even so, a shortage of AI-92 gasoline is being reported at certain Rosneft sites.

The report notes that individual Rosneft stations are periodically shutting down for about an hour at a time while waiting for new fuel deliveries, yet drivers choose to remain in line waiting for sales to resume.