Last Siberian refinery blown up: petrol at 5 euros and 5 km queues

Explosion at the last refinery in Siberia leaves 5 km queues and petrol at 5 euros a litre

On 1 January, an explosion destroyed the last major refinery in Siberia, according to reports from the region. The impact has been immediate: fuel is rationed to 20 litres per vehicle and its price has reached 5 euros a litre, while queues stretch up to 5 kilometres at petrol stations. Some drivers can no longer afford to fill their tanks.

Fuel prices soar amid the escalating war
The context of World War III has made the situation worse. The refinery, which supplied much of eastern Russia, was key to both military and civilian logistics. Its destruction leaves the region with no refining capacity, and imports are not getting through because of the blockade. Meanwhile, online forums are accusing the government of playing down the disaster: "the Russians haven't even noticed yet", they joke, pointing to the disconnect between the official narrative and the reality at the petrol stations.

Shortages and rationing: 20 litres at 5 euros
The images coming out show long lines of cars and "no fuel" signs. The 20-litre ration and the price of 5 euros per litre are a devastating blow for a population already suffering from inflation and sanctions. Some voices suggest the explosion was no accident, but sabotage within the conflict. There is no official confirmation, but tensions are at their highest.

The analysis gets stuck at the same point: while some see Russia's energy collapse, others consider it a self-serving exaggeration. What is certain is that, on the ground, fuel is scarce and prices have multiplied.