Fuel Crisis in Russia
Amid a severe fuel shortage, Russian regions are pulling in teachers, volunteers, and vigilantes to help manage queues at gas stations. Restrictions now limit gasoline sales based on odd and even license plate numbers. Current gasoline production meets only 65% of seasonal demand, and exports of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel have been banned.
In the Dinskoy District of Krasnodar Krai, local authorities issued an order requiring educators to take shifts at gas stations. In the Pskov region, volunteers are being sought to work at filling stations operated by Surgutneftegas, while members of vigilante groups are on duty at Pskovnefteprodukt outlets. Other regions—including Karelia, Mordovia, and the Oryol, Nizhny Novgorod, Lipetsk, Pskov, Astrakhan, and Kirov oblasts—have introduced a system that allows gasoline sales only to vehicles with specific odd or even license plate numbers.
Government Response and Public Reaction
Authorities in Irkutsk Oblast have proposed an electronic reservation system for refueling as the fuel situation remains tense. In Perm, residents have submitted a request to hold a protest rally over the gasoline shortage. Since May 1, 2026, Telegram has recorded 6,600 posts about the fuel crisis and 39,700 comments. Initial spikes in posts occurred on May 6, 12, and 22 following attacks on oil refineries in Nizhny Novgorod, Yaroslavl, and Perm. On May 29, authorities in occupied Crimea restricted sales of AI-95 gasoline to 20 liters per day, and on June 18, the largest wave of discussions began after drone strikes hit Moscow.
Since then, an average of 350 unique posts have been published daily, reflecting growing public anxiety. The Russian government has banned exports of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel, underscoring the severity of the situation. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has announced the start of import deliveries and a ramp-up in domestic production, but these measures have not resolved the urgent fuel needs.
One teacher commented on the Telegram channel Antijob.net: 'We young teachers, weighing even less than 50 kg, are supposed to calm down furious people at the gas station. For free and mandatory—or else there will be questions, and God forbid, we get fired.'
Meanwhile, the Dinskoy District Education Department stated: 'No one is forcing anyone to take shifts, especially women. Only male volunteers go on duty, and they do so voluntarily.'
The fuel situation in Russia remains critical, and the measures taken by authorities highlight the seriousness of the crisis and the need for urgent action.
This situation underscores the immense pressure on infrastructure and social services in Russia amid economic instability driven by sanctions and domestic challenges. Deploying teachers and volunteers to non-professional duties like managing gas station queues raises concerns about public safety and well-being, and calls into question the effectiveness of the government's crisis management. The growing alarm among the population, as reflected on social media, points to the need for faster and more effective solutions to address the fuel crisis.
As the fuel crisis continues to escalate, many Russians are resorting to creative solutions to cope with the shortages. Reports indicate a growing interest in homemade gasoline alternatives, reflecting the desperation among the public. This trend highlights the broader implications of the ongoing fuel scarcity and the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to secure their mobility.