Russian gas stations reimpose purchase limits amid renewed fuel shortages

Gazprom Neft stations in Moscow and the surrounding region have restored a limit of 60 liters of regular gasoline per customer, after briefly easing the restriction earlier this month. Tatneft, another major fuel producer, is enforcing a ceiling of 50 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per vehicle at its Moscow outlets, according to RBC.

The measures come as many Russian regions continue to experience fuel shortages that began after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries and storage facilities earlier in the summer. Analysts say supplies are likely to stay constrained until the peak travel season eases.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had previously indicated that the domestic fuel market was showing signs of partial stabilization, but the reintroduction of rationing suggests ongoing pressure. The government has also prolonged a temporary ban on gasoline and diesel exports until early next year to safeguard domestic supplies.

Shortages remain pronounced in areas such as Siberia, the Far East and Crimea, where fuel availability is still limited. Ukrainian forces reported a drone strike on an oil refinery in Bashkortostan on Wednesday, with repairs expected to take several days.

Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilyov acknowledged that queues persist at stations but said fuel is still being supplied and that diesel is available "everywhere" in Russia.