To grasp the fuel shortage affecting Russia, spend a day driving through Moscow. At nearly every petrol station there were lines of cars and trucks. Some queues stretched long while others moved along steadily.

Stations without any line had simply exhausted supplies and shut down.

Recall that this occurs in Moscow, the prosperous capital that absorbs much of the nation's resources. Even here officials struggle to maintain adequate petrol and diesel for residents.

Among those waiting the atmosphere leaned toward irritation rather than rage. Yekaterina expressed unhappiness and noted panic as people feared oil would vanish. Still she believed matters would settle once distribution improved.

Elmar described conditions as dire and pointed to rising prices amid dwindling stocks. He noted hours wasted filling tanks and questioned whether to drive to Dagestan given the widespread petrol issues.

When asked about responsibility he replied that in this country one cannot openly identify the cause or the culprit, offering a knowing smile.

Public criticism of the president or Kremlin remains rare.

Valery found it odd to queue in a nation that produces vast amounts of oil. He attributed the shortfall partly to inadequate Russian planning and partly to Ukrainian strikes. He expressed reluctance to accept lines and hoped for quick improvement.

Thus the war edges closer for many Russians.

President Vladimir Putin has sought to shield citizens from the effects of his special military operation now in its fifth year. Moscow streets show scant evidence of conflict beyond occasional posters honoring soldiers.

Harder to overlook are repeated Ukrainian drone and missile hits on oil facilities far inside Russia that darken skies above Moscow and St Petersburg.

These strikes join internet restrictions and fresh fuel shortages.

Russia as a leading oil producer now finds it difficult to refine sufficient fuel for home needs.

Andrei waited in line with his wife Yekaterina for the first time. He cited geopolitics and accepted possible worsening.

He voiced hope that sides would move toward talks on peace terms yet saw no such movement from European partners so conditions might deteriorate further.

He stayed calm noting survival through the 1990s when times proved tougher and current troubles did not frighten them.

Social media overflows with photos of lengthy petrol queues stretching for miles alongside reports of scuffles.

In the Black Sea resort of Anapa Cossacks maintain order at stations.

Rationing spreads widely with many regions banning jerry cans. One Siberian mayor provides portable toilets for drivers while some areas cut bus routes and waste collection. Farmers worry about the coming harvest.

Concern runs deep and broad.

Can Nato leaders in Ankara count on this economic strain to create political leverage over the Kremlin?

Kyiv strategists certainly hope ordinary Russians grow so frustrated they press their leader to end the war.

The Kremlin watches closely. Putin addressed the shortage on state television calling Ukrainian attacks problematic but not critical.

Officials respond by boosting imports subsidizing prices and permitting lower grade fuel despite engine concerns.

Putin and advisers recognize how shortages influence opinion.

A Levada Center poll shows his approval near 74 percent while belief the country heads in the right direction dropped to 52 percent from 61 percent in May.

Gallup reported last week that Russians view the economy more negatively than at any point in two decades with 60 percent saying local conditions worsen.

Even the state run VCIOM noted trust in Putin slipped 3.4 points to 73 percent in one week.

Christopher Weafer of Macro Advisory calls the fuel crisis a potential game changer for growth. He notes rising conflict costs and that full effects will appear in July statistics with lasting trouble dimming prospects for the rest of the year.

Yet will this create political pressure on the Kremlin to adjust course?

Nina Khrushcheva professor at The New School told the BBC that Putin would likely resist. Greater pressure could prompt more aggressive or repressive steps. She views the situation as serious but Western hopes of Russians toppling the regime as unrealistic.

Russians feel anger and despair alongside resignation she added. European ideas of forcing Putin to talks amount to fantasy.

Signs instead point to Putin intensifying efforts. Last Friday he appeared in military attire meeting commanders claiming frontline gains and vowing further advances. Russian forces continue to hold the strategic initiative he stated.

Putin then directed generals to examine European allies involvement in combat actions he says prolong the war. Such analysis would support future decisions he noted without details.

The remark has drawn attention in diplomatic circles.

Western capitals now wonder what Putin may do next. Will he escalate and in what manner?