Fuel Crisis in Russia Eases: Regions Begin to Lift Fuel Station Limits
Russia's fuel crisis is subsiding as regions begin lifting purchase limits at gas stations that were imposed in late June 2026 across over 20 regions due to shortages of gasoline and diesel.
Several regions reported easing or removing restrictions in late July. Zabaikalsky Krai fully canceled its QR-code reservation system, citing stable supplies. Omsk Oblast lifted all limits, which had capped sales at 40 liters of gasoline and 80 liters of diesel. Saratov Oblast increased its daily gasoline limit for individuals from 30 to 40 liters. Samara Oblast extended its current limits (40L gas, 100L diesel) without tightening them, noting stabilized queues.
The crisis began after Ukrainian drone strikes damaged key refining infrastructure, disrupting supply logistics and spiking consumer demand by 20-30%. At its peak, over 20 regions imposed various restrictions.
Analysts warn that while retail limits easing indicates distribution stabilization, the root cause—damage to at least 17% of Russia's oil refining capacity—remains. The risk of renewed restrictions this autumn persists if repairs cannot compensate for lost volumes before the heating season, especially if attacks continue.
cryptonews.ru08/01 09:46
