Russia to allow gas stations to sell lower-grade fuel amid shortage

The Russian government has issued a decree allowing gas stations, starting September 1, to sell gasoline and diesel fuel of lower environmental classes — Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4. The Energy Ministry announced the move.

According to the ministry, the decree is temporary and intended as a quick-response tool for the current fuel market situation. It will remain in force until June 30, 2027. The ministry said the goal is to stabilize supplies and reduce the risk of shortages of certain fuel types.

Gas stations will be required to clearly inform customers about the environmental class of the fuel being sold.

Restrictions already eased since August

Since early August, as a fuel crisis intensified, the government had already allowed oil refineries to import and supply lower-grade fuel under domestic contracts. At that time, however, selling such fuel directly at gas stations remained prohibited.

Euro-2 and Euro-3 grade gasoline and diesel contain higher levels of sulfur and other harmful impurities, making them more damaging to both the environment and the engines of modern vehicles than higher-grade fuel.