Fights have broken out at petrol stations across Russia as drivers face prolonged queues and severe fuel shortages, a situation exacerbated by Ukrainian attacks on the country's oil infrastructure.
In one incident captured on video in the Maslyanino district of Novosibirsk, a dispute over queue-jumping escalated into a physical altercation where a man's shirt was torn. Similar scenes of frayed tempers and altercations have been reported in other regions, including Astrakhan and the Rostov region, as motorists lose patience waiting for hours.
Escalating Ukrainian Attacks
These domestic disruptions coincide with continued Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian energy assets. Overnight, Ukraine reportedly struck another major oil refinery in Syzran, Samara region. The Rosneft-owned plant, which supplies fuel to the Russian military, was set ablaze by long-range drones. Additionally, oil tankers were targeted in the Sea of Azov, an area crucial for supplying annexed Crimea.
Initial reports indicate that at least 14 Russian vessels were struck and damaged in the Sea of Azov, adding to a significant number of ships reportedly damaged or destroyed in the past week. A tanker in the Black Sea near the key port of Novorossiysk was also reportedly hit.
Russia's Ministry of Defense stated that its forces struck port infrastructure in Odesa and Chornomorsk, which it claimed were used for unloading military cargo and fuel, as well as for naval vessels and a ferry. The ministry reported intercepting 349 military drones overnight.
Economic and Social Impact
The fuel shortages have caused prices to surge. In Yalta, Crimea, petrol prices have reportedly reached approximately £3.50 per liter, more than double average UK prices. The high cost has made it unaffordable for many drivers, leading to empty forecourts rather than queues.
Russian state television has acknowledged the fuel shortages in parts of the country. Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of RT, addressed the issue on state TV, acknowledging the hardships faced by Russians due to the ongoing conflict. She drew parallels to past periods of rationing in Russia and urged citizens to remain calm and avoid actions that could destabilize the government, referencing the 1917 revolution.
Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated Russia's stance on nuclear weapons, stating they would only be used if the very existence of the Russian state is threatened. He also suggested that Ukraine could end the war by surrendering to Russia's demands.
In other developments, Russia conducted attacks on civilian areas, including the Sumy border region, where five people were reported killed at a transport stop.