Region producing 40% of Russia's oil imposes fuel purchase limits
The governor of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug announced fuel rationing at some gas stations to combat speculation and shortage. This comes as Russia faces a widening gasoline crisis.
Ruslan Kukharuk, governor of the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, announced fuel purchase limits at some gas stations in the region during a government meeting. He stated that the restrictions were introduced to account for heightened demand for gasoline and diesel, and to prevent a shortage as well as "speculation and resale." Kukharuk did not specify which stations were affected, but urged residents not to create an artificial shortage, assuring that petroleum product reserves in the okrug are sufficient.
According to reports, the limits apply to certain Gazprom Neft stations, where customers can buy up to 40 liters of gasoline and up to 80 liters of diesel per transaction. Lukoil stations also face similar limits.
The okrug produces roughly 40% of Russia's annual oil output, more than any other region, and oil extraction supplies over 70% of its budget revenue. In late 2025, Kukharuk stated that the region intended to maintain production at its current level in the coming years.
Russia's gasoline crisis is spreading to more regions. Fuel purchase limits have been imposed in central Russia, as well as in Irkutsk, Omsk, and Novosibirsk regions. The per-customer gasoline limit is generally capped at 30–40 liters. The shortage is most severe in Crimea, where gas stations have stopped selling gasoline entirely.
According to Reuters, average daily gasoline production in Russia fell by roughly 25% in the week of June 15–21, compared with the daily average for June 2025. Vedomosti reported that the Russian government is considering increasing fuel imports and subsidizing them.
