It’s ‘Black August’ in Russia, but Putin is sweeping this summer’s crisis under the rug

Live updates

1. 22d ago

   Russia Faces Gasoline Shortages as Fuel Crisis Worsens

   Russia is experiencing a severe gasoline shortage that has left seven in 10 stations without petrol. Drivers in Moscow are facing long queues to refill vehicles as the supply crisis intensifies. While government official Novak describes the gasoline supply as tight, he maintains that the diesel market remains stable. This period of instability has been termed Black August, though reports suggest the Kremlin is attempting to downplay the severity of the summer crisis.

   Why it matters

   The fuel shortages coincide with the ongoing war in Ukraine. This domestic instability tests the Russian government's ability to maintain internal order while sustaining military operations.

   What is confirmed

   • Gasoline supplies in Russia are tight.
   • Petrol is unavailable at seven in 10 stations.
   • Moscow drivers are facing long queues to refill fuel.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The fuel crisis could help end the war in Ukraine.

   What to watch next

   • Official government statements on gasoline supply recovery
   • Reports of diesel market instability
   • Changes in fuel export quotas to stabilize domestic supply
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. Euronews.com — Russia runs out of petrol at seven in 10 stations as fuel crisis worsens
   2. Reuters — Frustrated Moscow drivers face long queues to refill as fuel shortages return
   3. BBC — Rosenberg: Shortage of petrol but not patriotism as Russians feel growing impact of war
   4. Bloomberg — Novak Says Russian Gasoline Supply Tight, Diesel Market Stable
   5. CNN — It’s ‘Black August’ in Russia, but Putin is sweeping this summer’s crisis under the rug
   6. DW — Could Russia's growing fuel crisis help end the Ukraine war?
   7. consent.yahoo.com — Latest news bulletin | August 23rd, 2026 – Morning
   confidence 80%