Moscow Gas Stations Reinstate Fuel Purchase Limits Amid Growing Shortages

In late August, several major fuel retailers in Moscow and the surrounding region re-imposed caps on gasoline sales. Gazprom Neft limited purchases to 40 liters per vehicle, while Tatneft set a 50-liter limit for gasoline and 60 liters for diesel. Rosneft applied a 30-liter ceiling for gasoline at all its stations, and Lukoil also introduced unspecified restrictions. The measures follow a brief relaxation of limits earlier in the month and aim to curb long queues reported by witnesses at filling stations.

The Jerusalem PostMoscow TimesMoscow Gas Stations Impose Fuel Limits as Russian Shortage Deepens

The renewed restrictions are linked to persistent fuel shortages that began in May after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries and storage hubs. Analysts note that the attacks, combined with strong summer travel demand, have strained supplies across most Russian regions. The Kremlin has responded by banning gasoline and diesel exports, easing fuel-quality requirements, and increasing imports of petroleum products.

The Jerusalem Post

Prices for AI-95 gasoline have risen to as high as 120 rubles per liter (about $1.50). S&P Global reported that at least 26 Russian refineries were offline, with seven still shut down at the end of July and four more closed in August. Consequently, Russian oil refining fell to roughly 3.6 million barrels per day—the lowest level since May 2002—before a modest rebound to just above 4 million barrels per day, still about 30 % below the seasonal average, according to Rystad analysts. Wholesale gasoline sales on the St. Petersburg exchange dropped about 20 % from the start of August compared with the second half of July.

Moscow Gas Stations Impose Fuel Limits as Russian Shortage Deepens

President Vladimir Putin chaired an economic-policy meeting in Moscow on May 15, 2026, during which officials highlighted the need to protect the capital’s fuel supply. The government’s strategy includes redirecting gasoline from eastern Russia to Moscow, a move that has intensified pressure on other regions already experiencing a “second wave” of shortages.

The Jerusalem Post

Energy analysts warn that the crisis could peak again in early September when Belarus’s Novopolotsk refinery is scheduled for maintenance, potentially tightening supplies further. Continued drone activity and limited refinery capacity suggest that restrictions may remain in place until demand eases after the summer travel season.

Moscow Times