Norwegian influencer thought driving his gas-guzzling American classic to Moscow would make quite a spectacle. It didn't go as planned
The road trip from Oslo to Moscow via the northernmost border crossing had all the ingredients for a spectacular social media series—if it hadn't been for Russia's full-blown fuel crisis.
"It didn't go exactly as planned," Rudi Ripnes admitted.
The young Norwegian influencer is known for posting videos praising Russia. In June, he set off from Oslo with the aim of driving nearly 4,000 kilometres to Moscow via Kirkenes and Murmansk.
It was quite a journey for a 1975 Cadillac Eldorado Convertible—a thirsty V8-powered classic that burns around two litres of petrol every 10 kilometres.
After arriving in Murmansk, Ripnes even had stickers applied to the car promoting the journey: "Oslo – Murmansk – St Petersburg – Moscow."
The journey, however, came to an abrupt halt in Murmansk.
"I had underestimated how severe the petrol shortages in Russia were," Ripnes said in one of his TikTok video updates.
On Telegram, he explained:
"I am currently in Murmansk. Here there is no issue for me to get gasoline, but there is a restriction of 30 litres per refuelling."
He added:
"However, there seem to be issues with gasoline in Karelia, and I can't risk getting stuck there without fuel."
To avoid being stranded in Murmansk all summer, I decided to leave my car there for now. I ended up taking the train to St Petersburg."
Ripnes also complained about internet problems after entering Russia, saying they had delayed the publication of his social media content.
The Barents Observer has previously reported on Ripnes' social media activity, in which he mocks Western sanctions, praises the Russian Ministry of Defence's Main Cathedral, gives interviews to pro-government television channels, and dismisses allegations of political repression in Russia.
In hindsight, leaving the Cadillac behind may have been a sensible decision. Queues at petrol stations have been growing across Russia in recent days, along with uncertainty and frustration. Videos circulating on social media show arguments—and in some cases fights—breaking out among motorists waiting to refuel.
The fuel shortages are another sign of the strain Russia's war against Ukraine is placing on the country's economy. Repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries have caused widespread damage, significantly reducing the production of refined petroleum products.
An estimated one-third of Russia's oil refining capacity is currently offline as a result of the attacks.
Petrol prices have surged, while 20- and 30-litre purchase limits have been introduced in many regions.
On the Kola Peninsula, fuel shortages have been reported in Nikel, Kovdor, Alakurtti and Apatity. Rosneft has restricted sales to customers with company fuel cards, while Lukoil stations have reduced purchases to 20 litres per vehicle. Prices on Friday were reported to have reached as much as 97 roubles per litre.
Murmansk-based news outlet SeverPost offered blunt advice to anyone planning to drive or fly south for their summer holiday:
...it's better not to go at all."
