Russia’s Gas Lines Are So Long They Can Be Seen From Space

Russian propaganda attempted to dismiss videos of massive gas station lines in the Zabaykalsky region as fake, but satellite images appear to show the queues were real—and large enough to be seen from space.

The images were published by open-source intelligence specialists from the Telegram channel Dnipro OSINT, after several pro-Kremlin channels claimed that footage of a 7-kilometer gas line in Chita had been generated using AI.

“Russian fuel problems are being used skillfully by the enemy, which is trying to squeeze the maximum out of the situation,” the pro-Kremlin Telegram channel wrote.

Some Russian Z-channels claimed the videos showing kilometer-long lines of cars waiting to refuel were fake. However, those claims were quickly challenged by satellite imagery and reactions from Russians themselves, forcing propagandists to close comments under the post.

OSINT analysts from Exilenova+ also responded to the denial campaign by publishing footage filmed directly by a road user, which appeared to confirm the authenticity of the video showing the long gasoline queue.

The fuel shortage in Russia is part of a Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy-authorised 40-day strategic operation led by the Security Service of Ukraine to increase pressure on Moscow and undermine its ability to continue the war.

The domestic fuel crisis spreading across Russia is threatening to become the largest in the country’s modern history, with official restrictions on gasoline sales already introduced in more than 40 regions.

In June, Russian crude oil refining volumes collapsed by 25% year-on-year to 3.91 million barrels per day, marking a low point not seen in over 20 years.

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