Moscow: Russia has introduced temporary restrictions on fuel sales across several regions in response to increased demand, local authorities announced on Monday. In the Saratov region, gasoline sales to individual customers are limited to 30 liters per vehicle from June 23 to June 30, according to regional Governor Roman Busargin’s statement on Telegram. He emphasized that this measure is necessary to prevent market speculation and reduce unwarranted demand.
According to Anadolu Agency, in the Omsk region, authorities have similarly restricted gasoline and diesel sales at gas stations to counteract “artificial demand” and speculation. Under these restrictions, fuel can only be dispensed directly into vehicle tanks, with a limit of 40 liters of gasoline and 80 liters of diesel per vehicle. At highway gas stations, the limits are set at 40 liters of gasoline and 200 liters of diesel, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) remains unaffected.
In the Voronezh region, Lukoil gas stations have imposed temporary restrictions starting June 23. A statement from the regional government outlines a purchase limit of 30 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel fuel per vehicle, with highway stations allowing up to 60 liters of gasoline and 200 liters of diesel. Regional authorities noted that the temporary shortages at certain stations are due to logistical challenges and heightened demand, although supplies of AI-95, AI-92, and diesel fuel remain sufficient at federal stations.
The recent restrictions follow Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have led to maintenance shutdowns at several facilities. As a result, Moscow has periodically introduced measures to stabilize the domestic fuel market. In the past week, similar restrictions were also enacted in Crimea and Russia’s Tver region. In annexed Crimea, fuel is currently allocated solely to government agencies, whereas in the Tver region, corporate clients face no refueling limits.
Russian oil producer Tatneft has also implemented temporary limits on gasoline and diesel sales at its stations. This follows Ukraine’s Defense Forces’ claim of a June 12 drone strike on the TANECO refinery in Nizhnekamsk, part of the Tatneft group. Earlier this month, Ukraine’s General Staff reported strikes on 16 Russian oil refineries and fuel terminals, impacting over 30% of the country’s refining capacity.