Fuel shortage drives Russian villagers to buy horses

Sharp rises in gasoline prices across Russia, triggered by Ukrainian drone attacks on refineries, have led to long queues, rationing and prohibitions on tank‑to‑canister fueling. Rural residents, facing the high cost of fuel for off‑road vehicles, are turning to horses as a cheaper alternative for transport and field work.

Sales of horses have multiplied, with traders reporting seven or eight animals sold in a month compared with one in the previous quarter. A working horse now costs roughly 100,000‑200,000 ruble (about 27,700‑55,400 CZK). Ongoing expenses such as shoeing, feed and occasional veterinary care (~6,000 ruble per year) are considered lower than the continual expense of gasoline.

The shift reflects broader economic strain in many Russian regions, where fuel scarcity has become a daily challenge for residents outside the major cities.