Fuel shortage worsens in Russia: many regions ban selling gasoline in canisters
Russia is facing a growing fuel deficit; gas stations introduce restrictions including bans on selling gasoline in canisters and cash-only payments.
Fuel shortage is escalating across Russia, with multiple regions imposing strict limitations. According to media reports, gas stations operated by Rosneft and TNK have banned selling gasoline in canisters and capped fuel volumes at 90 liters. Tatneft has also introduced temporary restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales at all its stations across Russia, citing increased seasonal demand.
Regional authorities offer various explanations. Khabarovsk Krai Governor Dmitry Demeshin attributed the restrictions to "seasonal and unplanned maintenance" at oil refineries, which undergo servicing after the sowing campaign. He described this as an annual practice.
Fuel problems first emerged in late May in annexed Crimea, followed by the Belgorod and Kursk regions, as well as the occupied Luhansk region. Later, difficulties spread to gas stations in Moscow, the Moscow and Leningrad regions, Krasnodar Krai, and Buryatia.
One of the main reasons cited for the deficit is Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries in the European part of Russia. In autumn 2025, Russia experienced a severe fuel crisis after successful strikes by Ukrainian forces on these refineries.
Additionally, some gas stations have introduced payment restrictions, accepting only cash. These measures highlight growing tensions in Russia's fuel market, driven by both seasonal factors and military incidents.
