Russia sees long fuel queues ahead of Flag Day celebrations

Moscow residents are enduring long waits at fuel stations as the city prepares for the upcoming celebration of Russian Flag Day on 22 June. According to local authorities, the influx of vehicles is driven by a surge in traffic and a rush to secure supplies for the day’s events, which include parades, public ceremonies, and patriotic displays. The Ministry of Transport has urged drivers to plan ahead and use alternative routes where possible to ease congestion.

The extended queues have prompted the Moscow City Administration to deploy additional traffic police and to open temporary service points at select petrol stations. Fuel retailers report that the average waiting time has risen to 90 minutes in some areas, with some customers citing shortages of diesel and gasoline. The city’s public transport system is also operating on an expanded schedule to accommodate commuters, while the Ministry of Internal Affairs has increased patrols to maintain order and safety.

City officials emphasize that the delays are temporary and part of a broader effort to ensure that all residents can participate in the national holiday. They advise motorists to check official traffic updates and to consider alternative modes of travel where feasible. The Flag Day celebrations are expected to proceed as planned, with the government assuring that measures are in place to mitigate the impact of the fuel queue backlog.