Why residents of Nizhny Novgorod are buying gasoline in bulk at gas stations: an explanation from a psychologist

      June 29, 2026 10:35 Society The excitement around fuel from a psychological perspective is a typical example of mass panic, based on the basic instinct of self-preservation. This was reported by a representative of the healthcare sector in the region, Alexey Nikонов. Specialists explain that when the usual way of life is threatened, a person tends to act irrationally: logic takes a back seat, and behavior begins to be determined by ancient survival mechanisms. The urgent desire to refuel a car, even if there is enough fuel in the tank, can be explained by several factors. First, there is the feeling of loss of control. For many, a car is associated with freedom of movement and independence. The lack of gasoline is perceived as a limitation and helplessness. Second, the fear of missing out kicks in. The brain reacts with the principle of "better to buy now," fearing that fuel prices will rise or it will disappear from sale later. Third, the crowd effect comes into play. If people rush to gas stations in large numbers and form queues, others begin to automatically mimic this behavior. Such a reaction is conditioned by evolutionary mechanisms: following the group in uncertain conditions seems safer than acting independently. Experts note that shortages often arise not from the actual absence of goods, but from a sharp increase in demand. Panic, they say, spreads quickly and is amplified by the information background. To avoid succumbing to the excitement, psychologists advise assessing the situation soberly: check the fuel level and understand how many days of trips it will actually last. It is also recommended to limit the consumption of emotionally charged information from social networks and to rely on official data and actual indicators. Earlier, we reported on why gasoline prices differ at gas stations. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod". When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is required. This resource may contain materials 18+