Gasoline problems again arise at gas stations in 16 regions of Russia

Problems with the availability of gasoline at Russian gas stations have again been recorded in at least 16 regions after a temporary improvement in deliveries. At some gas stations, motorists face the absence of certain fuel grades and sales interruptions.

The new wave of disruptions emerged after the situation on the Russian fuel market began to gradually stabilize in the second half of July. Before that, the deficit had spread across dozens of regions: authorities and individual gas station chains introduced limits on the amount of fuel dispensed, banned the sale of gasoline into canisters, and established special work schedules.

In mid-July, Reuters reported that fuel shortages affected regions across all 11 time zones of Russia. Consequences included queues at gas stations, rising gasoline prices, and sales rationing in certain regions. At that time, additional supplies and imports helped somewhat improve the situation, primarily in Moscow.

One of the reasons for the crisis was interruptions in the operation of Russian oil refineries after drone attacks. According to Reuters sources, at the beginning of July, gasoline output in Russia fell to about 65% of the average seasonal consumption level. The production deficit was estimated at approximately 40–45 thousand tons of fuel per day.

Russian authorities attempted to stabilize the market by redistributing supplies between regions, increasing imports, and other measures. In July, fuel from the Urals and Siberia was, in particular, directed to the Moscow region to ensure supply to the capital amid nation-wide disruptions.

As early as June, restrictions on the sale of gasoline and diesel fuel were in effect in dozens of Russian regions. At some gas stations, limits of a few dozen liters per car were imposed, and in certain regions, authorities had to introduce additional measures to distribute available stocks.

The deficit also affected fuel prices. According to Rosstat, in just the week from July 7 to July 13, average retail gasoline prices in Russia rose by 2.3%. By July 13, the average price was 75.84 rubles per liter, and since the beginning of 2026, gasoline has risen in price by 16.4%.

The resumption of disruptions in 16 regions shows that it has not yet been possible to stabilize fuel supplies throughout Russia. The situation may also differ notably from region to region and even between individual gas station chains.

Based on materials from: The Moscow Times, Reuters