️ Ukraine has intensified drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, triggering a severe fuel crisis across much of Russia. On July 6, Ukrainian forces targeted the Omsk refinery, some 2,500 kilometers from the border. Ukraine has now struck all 10 of Russia's largest refineries, deepening shortages.

️ Drivers across Russia are waiting hours for fuel, with queues stretching for miles. In Gelendzhik, a woman said she had been trying to refuel for three days, arriving at 5 a.m. and even sleeping in her car, but still couldn't buy gasoline. She described it as a "fight for survival" and blamed resellers for inflating prices.

️ The situation is worst in Chita, where drivers reportedly wait up to 36 hours. Some run out of gas while waiting and push their cars. Social media users claim people sell their places in line for up to 35,000 rubles (€400/$460).

️ The shortage is forcing lifestyle changes. Many switch to public transport, while others buy horses or bicycles. Horse breeders report a surge in demand for workhorses. Bicycle sales on CDEK.Shopping rose 131% in June compared to May.

️ Authorities downplay the crisis. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak insists supply disruptions are limited to individual stations and that enough fuel is available. However, independent reports indicate nearly one-third of Russia's refineries are offline. Duma member Nina Ostanina criticized the government's silence, warning of potential grain shortages.

️ President Vladimir Putin's approval rating fell from 74% to 69% in a week, the lowest since the war began, according to FOM. Yet support for the war increased by 6 percentage points, while support for peace negotiations dropped by 7 points, per the Levada Center.

Source: www.dw.com