‘We Are Running Out Of Patience’: Farmers’ Rebellion Brewing In Russia

One of the largest agricultural regions of Russia is faced with a fuel shortage.

The lack of harvest revenue and the rapid rise in fuel prices are creating the ground for a farmers' revolt in the Stavropol Territory, one of the largest agricultural regions in Russia. Head of the Association of Farms and Agricultural Cooperatives of the region Sergei Kolesnikov, whose words are quoted by local media, calls the situation critical and declares the farmers’ readiness to start street protests.

If last year intermediaries in the Stavropol Territory were ready to buy wheat from farmers at 10-13 rubles per kilogram, this year they are offering a price of 7-8 rubles. The situation is approximately similar in Bashkortostan, Saratov and Samara regions.

In addition to low grain prices, farmers are faced with a rapid increase in the cost of diesel fuel: since the beginning of summer, the fuel has risen in price on the wholesale market by 26%. But even at a record price it is impossible to buy it.

On the calendar, September is the time for autumn field work, but due to fuel shortages, tractors and combines stay idle, causing despair among farmers.

According to Kolesnikov, farmers are outraged that the authorities cannot give them a clear explanation of the situation with the lack of fuel, and are ready to go and block roads.

“We are running out of patience,” he noted.