Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has ordered the Energy Ministry and oil companies to consider scrapping restrictions on selling less than 50 liters of gasoline per person at filling stations, two industry sources told RBC. The instruction followed a July 13 meeting on the fuel market situation.
At the same time, the Energy Ministry and companies were tasked with developing a mechanism to prevent gas station staff from circumventing the established limits.
In June and July, full or partial fuel sales control measures affected all Russian regions except Chukotka, according to The Insider. At some stations, fuel sales were limited to 20–30 liters per customer. Russia has lost about 40% of its refinery capacity due to Ukrainian drone strikes, Reuters reported, with gasoline production falling to 75,000–80,000 tons per day in the second week of July, compared to summer demand of 115,000–120,000 tons.
In recent weeks, some regions have begun easing the measures: limits are being raised, and electronic queues and ration coupons are being abolished. Novak previously attributed the fuel shortage to strikes on refineries, while President Vladimir Putin called the problems temporary.