Long queues stretched along Moscow’s gas stations on Tuesday, prompting a passerby to mutter, “Are we in the Soviet Union now?” The scene captured a rare glimpse of scarcity in a market accustomed to steady supply. Retailers reported that demand outstripped available gasoline, forcing drivers to wait minutes to refuel. Long‑standing contracts with distributors are being renegotiated amid the chaos.

Since the invasion intensified, Western sanctions have choked imports of refined fuel, while domestic refineries struggle with aging equipment and limited crude. The resulting bottleneck has pushed wholesale gasoline prices up by double‑digit percentages, squeezing margins for station owners and prompting some to ration sales. Consumers now face higher pump costs and unpredictable availability. Retail chains report inventory lapses as tanker deliveries arrive irregularly.

Fuel‑starved motorists are turning to alternatives such as electric charging points and informal car‑sharing, eroding traditional revenue streams for oil majors operating in Russia. Analysts warn that prolonged shortages could trigger a wave of asset write‑downs and deter foreign partners from entering the market. Investors are monitoring refinery outputs for signs of recovery. The current queue underscores how wartime logistics are reshaping Russia’s energy sector.