Russian Region of Altai Bans Refueling Same Car More Than Once Per 24 Hours
The Altai Republic in Russia has imposed fuel restrictions due to a gasoline shortage, limiting drivers to one refueling per car per day.
The Republic of Altai has barred drivers from refueling the same car more than once every 24 hours, the regional government said. Previously, one refueling per day was allowed, but the daily limit reset at midnight—a loophole that let many drivers fill up just before the deadline and again right after.
“There’s fuel, but we need to regulate the flow to make sure everyone is supplied—essential services and citizens alike,” said Alexander Prokopyev, head of the regional government, explaining the new measure. Agricultural producers are exempt: they can refuel a second time between 5 and 7 a.m., along with emergency and first-responder services.
A gasoline shortage has forced officials in several Russian regions to restrict fueling since early July. Motorists are typically limited under an “odd-even” system tied to the last digit of their license plates—meaning a car can be filled up only once every two days. Authorities say the restrictions have eased the strain on gas stations, and several regions have already lifted them.
