Putin's Approval Plummets as Ordinary Russians Bear Brunt of Fuel Crisis
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A new poll reveals President Vladimir Putin's approval rating has dropped to 66% as Russia's deepening fuel crisis exposes the failures of oligarchic rule, with citizens naming fuel shortages as their top concern.
A poll conducted by the Public Opinion Foundation (FOM) from July 10 to 12 indicated that 66% of respondents approved of President Vladimir Putin’s performance, down from 71% a week earlier, according to independent outlet Meduza. Trust in the leader also slipped to 67%, the lowest level recorded since the war began, reflecting growing disillusionment with the Kremlin’s priorities and the suffering of working people.
The decline coincides with a deepening domestic fuel shortage—a crisis created by the government’s reckless militarism and the prioritization of war profits over the basic needs of citizens. For the second week in a row, respondents identified fuel scarcity as the nation’s most pressing issue, with 19% selecting it over 18% who cited the war in Ukraine and 14% who pointed to attacks on Russian territory. This underscores how ordinary Russians are forced to pay the price for the regime’s imperialist adventures.
Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries have reduced domestic fuel output, further exposing the vulnerability of Russia’s extractive economy, even as it remains the world’s third-largest oil producer. Wholesale fuel prices have soared, rationing measures have been imposed in several regions, and social-media videos show long queues at Moscow gas stations—vivid evidence of a system that puts profit and war ahead of people’s needs.
Energy exports account for roughly 30% of Russia’s budget and are vital for financing the war, while Western sanctions continue to pressure the sector. In June, President Putin acknowledged the shortages, stating that attacks on energy infrastructure create problems and that the current shortage was “not critical”—a dismissive response that ignores the daily hardships faced by millions.
Regional officials report that governors must rely on fuel allocations approved by Moscow, limiting their ability to source supplies independently. One Siberian vice-governor said their primary task has become “mitigating social unrest,” while others compete for extra fuel through connections in the capital. Some regions have introduced odd-even license-plate rationing schemes, a desperate measure that highlights the failures of centralized, top-down governance.
Experts note that opinion polls in authoritarian contexts may understate dissatisfaction, as citizens can fear repercussions for expressing criticism of the government or the war. The true level of anger and frustration among the Russian people may be far higher than the regime will ever admit.