What are the main strategies Russians are using to cope with the fuel shortage caused by Ukrainian refinery strikes?

Russians are waking up before dawn to queue at filling stations, downloading apps like Yandex.Fuel and Benzinradar.com that crowd-source real-time fuel availability, resorting to the black market, and converting cars to alternative fuels.

How severe and widespread is the fuel shortage in Russia as of late June, according to the article?

As of end-June, around 90% of Russian regions imposed some kind of fuel rationing or reported supply issues, with the deficit spreading from southern Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories to central Russia and even the Pacific coast; two strikes on Moscow’s refinery shut the capital’s biggest fuel supplier, disrupting daily life for many Muscovites for the first time since 2022.

Apps, Networking, Black Market: How Russians Battle Fuel Crunch

Jun 30, 2026

Ukraine's strikes on Russian refineries have caused severe fuel shortages, driving consumers toward apps, black markets, and alternative fuels. With supply issues affecting 90% of regions, Gazprom reports a spike in methane conversion inquiries.

bloomberg

2026-06-30

Apps, Networking, Black Market: How Russians Battle Fuel Crunch

Apps, Networking, Black Market: How Russians Battle Fuel Crunch

FAQ