Russian fuel shortage fuels surge in horse and bicycle sales

Ukrainian drone attacks have disabled a quarter of Russia’s refining capacity, leaving gasoline and diesel scarce across more than 50 regions. With long queues at stations, rural residents are turning to alternative transport. Demand for work horses has jumped sharply – roughly 1,000 animals have been saved from slaughter and sellers now move seven to eight horses a month, each priced between 100,000 and 200,000 roubles (≈ $1,300‑$2,600).

At the same time, bicycle sales have exploded, rising 131 % month‑on‑month on the CDEK Shopping platform, with mountain‑bike orders accounting for over half of the purchases. Government officials deny a fuel shortage, but acknowledge the queues and encourage patience, while also promoting tram expansion as a longer‑term solution.