Gas stations operated by Gazprom Neft in Moscow are enforcing temporary limits on fuel purchases, now capping gasoline and diesel sales at 40 liters per vehicle. Customers seeking to fill canisters are advised to check with specific stations for availability.
Tatneft has implemented slightly higher limits, allowing up to 50 liters for gasoline and 60 liters for diesel at their Moscow locations. Meanwhile, Lukoil stations have reported offering AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline, along with diesel; however, one location is only selling diesel.
As of the evening of August 18, AI-95 gasoline was available at only one Neftmagistral station in the city, with availability of diesel also subject to verification.
Reports indicate that on the night of August 19 and into the morning, lines began to form at Moscow gas stations in response to the ongoing fuel shortages. According to Reuters, a new wave of fuel scarcity is affecting much of Russia, with only 28% of gas stations across the country currently supplying gasoline.
The fuel market in Russia has faced significant shortages since June and July, attributed to attacks by Ukraine on Russian refineries and fuel depots. Data from Ukraine’s General Staff indicates that these attacks have compromised approximately 42.74% of Russia’s total refining capacity.
Some regions began easing restrictions on fuel sales in mid-July, but continued shortages have persisted. A report by Bloomberg on August 3 indicated that the impacts of Ukrainian strikes led to a 20% reduction in Russia’s oil refining volumes, bringing them to the lowest level since May 2002, prompting Russian producers to ramp up crude oil exports to near-record levels. On August 14, local news outlet Astra reported that fuel issues had resurfaced in Moscow and surrounding areas.
