According to Meduza, Russia has been in a fuel crisis since late May and a gasoline shortage that began locally has spread across the entire country. Meduza also reported that motorists are waiting in long lines at gas stations. AP News reported that wholesale prices for A‑95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange reached record highs last week, with the price increase about 50% higher than in January, and that demand increased from Russians traveling for their last big summer vacation.

Meduza said authorities and the state propaganda machine claim the problem will soon be solved, are urging people to be patient, and are shaming people for panic buying. The outlet also noted that some Russians are searching online for ways to make their own gasoline and that some are siphoning gasoline from parked cars.