I do not believe there is any observable significant shortage of diesel in farming operations, but I do not have much evidence to state so with utmost certainty. Russia has also been importing record amounts of gasoline and diesel from Belarus. They are also still selling diesel due to contractual obligations, etc.
If there was, it would have no effect on Putin. Not sure why people tend to think that it would (or any of it, in fact). In spite of, what appears to be, a general belief, Putin is pretty isolated from these events. First and foremost, the blame is falling on Ukrainians. When it comes to internal politics, there is quite a ladder that never reaches the top. It is actually rather amazing that it is Putin who appears to be (almost micro-) managing the country, giving out orders and “advice” on television to various officials, bureaucrats, CEO’s, etc. The feedback ladder, however, never gets quite that high: it is always these very people who take the fall because “не справились с поставленными задачами” (failed to accomplish the assigned goals), “не оправдали доверия” (something like “did not live up to trust”), etc; then comes the next level, such as “за хищения в особо крупных размерах” (for grand larceny or embezzlement) and so on. And the ladder is very high.
What happens instead is the pressure to increase pressure (ha!) increases. This is rather trivial stuff for anyone familiar with Russia. Anyone who tells you otherwise is flat out wrong, whether it is intentional misrepresentation or lack of expertise.
