Russia admits fuel shortage but blames it on rising demand
Russia's fuel crisis has spread across multiple regions (photo: Getty Images)
Fuel has disappeared from several regions of Russia, and the authorities have finally acknowledged the problem. However, they offered a rather unusual explanation, according to Russian media outlets and Telegram channels.
Authorities acknowledge the problem
A fuel shortage has been officially recorded in four districts of Russia's Tomsk region — Kolpashevsky, Asinovsky, Zyryansky, and Teguldetsky. Gas stations have run dry.
The authorities offered a simple explanation: demand had allegedly surged.
At the same time, officials said retail gasoline sales had fallen by 15% over the past week. In other words, demand has fallen, yet there is no fuel — a remarkable contradiction. Authorities in the Tomsk region said fuel supplies to municipalities are expected to be replenished in the near future.
Chronicle of the fuel crisis in the Russia of the perverted Putin.
— Jürgen Nauditt (@jurgen_nauditt) June 26, 2026
The first three videos show Irkutsk and the surrounding region, where Russian orcs queue for 7 to 8 hours at gas stations and literally spend the night in line. The other video shows Moscow. pic.twitter.com/MAPYXyc60e
While officials speak of "increased demand," pro-Russian Telegram channels are filled with photos and videos showing huge lines at gas stations.
And it is not just the Tomsk region. Similar situations have been reported in many regions across Russia.
The real reason, which the authorities do not mention, is strikes on oil refineries. They are what caused disruptions to fuel supplies across the country.
Meanwhile, Ukraine's Security Service (SBU) recently struck three important Russian vessels in Crimea — the operation also took place at sea. Air defense systems on the occupied peninsula were also hit.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved a 40-day SBU operation. It covered several strategic directions.
