Oryol Becomes First Russian Region to End Odd-Even Fuel Rationing
The Oryol region has lifted its temporary odd-even gasoline rationing system, becoming the first Russian region to do so, as Governor Andrei Klychkov reported no queues at gas stations for over a week. Fuel purchase limits remain in place.
The Oryol region in Russia has ended its temporary "odd-even" gasoline rationing system, which restricted fuel purchases based on license plate numbers. Governor Andrei Klychkov announced the lifting on July 16, noting that gas stations in the region had been free of queues for more than a week. Klychkov stated that the system had effectively achieved its primary goal of curbing panic buying.
Despite lifting the rationing, the region will continue to impose limits on the amount of fuel drivers can purchase: no more than 30 liters per vehicle in urban areas and up to 50 liters on highways.
Oryol was the first region in Russia to introduce the odd-even system on July 4, and now it becomes the first to remove it. At least eight Russian regions had adopted similar measures amid a nationwide fuel crisis that began in mid-June.
The crisis was triggered by Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure. According to estimates from the Financial Times, up to 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity may have been taken offline due to the attacks.
