Russia permits sale of lower-grade gasoline as fuel crisis continues
Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin has signed a decree allowing the sale of Euro-3 gasoline until the end of 2026, aiming to prevent destabilization of the fuel market following Ukrainian drone strikes on oil facilities.
The Russian government has authorized the temporary sale of lower-grade gasoline to address an ongoing fuel crisis. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree that permits the sale of Euro-3 grade gasoline until the end of 2026. The decree applies to certain oil refineries, allowing them to produce gasoline with a sulfur content of up to 150 milligrams per kilogram. However, this fuel will not carry the conformity mark of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and cannot be sold in other member states of the union.
The government stated that the measure is intended to improve the reliability of fuel supply and serve as a preventive action against destabilization of the domestic motor fuel market. The fuel crisis in Russia intensified in May after Ukrainian drone strikes targeted oil facilities in several regions.
Earlier, the newspaper Kommersant reported that Russian authorities were considering lowering environmental standards to address fuel shortages, potentially allowing the sale of gasoline and diesel as low as Euro-2 grade. Experts quoted by the newspaper noted that such fuel is simpler to produce but may be unsafe for some modern vehicles.
This development highlights the challenges faced by Russia's energy sector amid ongoing conflict and sanctions.
