Moscow Gas Stations Reimpose Fuel Limits as ‘Second Wave’ of Shortages Hits Russia

Aug. 19, 2026 Cars line up to refuel at a Rosneft gas station. REUTERS / Anastasia Barashkova Fuel purchase restrictions are beginning to make a comeback in some regions as persistent shortages continue to dog the domestic market following months of Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries, in what Russian media is calling the “second wave” of the summer fuel crisis. In Moscow and the surrounding region, Gazprom Neft gas stations have reinstated purchase limits of 60 liters (16 gallons) per customer for regular gasoline. The new limits follow a brief rollback earlier this month when Gazprom Neft eased restrictions across 13 Russian regions. Tatneft, another major producer, has capped sales at 50 liters (13 gallons) of regular gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per vehicle across its network of gas stations in Moscow, according to the business news outlet RBC. Dozens of Russian regions have faced fuel shortages this summer after months of Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries and storage hubs. Industry analysts warn that supplies will remain tight across much of the country until peak summer travel demand subsides. The return of rationing measures in some parts of the country comes despite Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak saying last month that the domestic fuel market was showing signs of “partial stabilization.” To protect supplies, the Russian government extended a temporary export ban on gasoline and diesel through early next year. While some gas stations have lifted purchase caps, fuel shortages never fully abated in other parts of the country, including in Siberia and the Far East. So, too, does annexed Crimea continue to face an acute shortage. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces have continued long-range strikes against Russian oil facilities. On Wednesday, authorities in the republic of Bashkortostan said a Ukrainian drone set part of an oil refinery ablaze, adding that they expect repairs to take several days. In July, the average price of gasoline in Russia spiked by nearly 20% since the start of the year. It has since fallen slightly to a national average of 76.04 rubles per liter ($3.38 per gallon) as of Aug. 10. Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev admitted on Tuesday that long lines continue to form at gas stations, though he insisted that fuel remains available as the government works to resolve logistics bottlenecks. Tsivilev claimed diesel remains available “everywhere” in Russia. Read more about: Gasoline , Moscow Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Moscow Oil Refinery Unlikely to Resume Production Until 2027 – Reuters “It will take at least half a year to repair,” an industry source said of the damage to the refinery, which was attacked twice this month. 2 Min read Moscow Police Accused of Raping Anti-Draft Activist The article contains graphic content which may be disturbing to some readers. An anti-mobilization activist was hospitalized in Moscow after he was apparently... Closed Shops, Zs, Green Ribbons: Russia’s Post-Invasion Reality “I’ve got no desire to go to the city center,” said one Moscow resident. “I don’t want to see the giant Z on the theater wall.” Moscow Set to Swelter With Arrival of 2016’s Hottest Days Muscovites are set to enjoy scorching summer temperatures until the end of the week, Russia’s Weather Center chief Roman Vilfand announced Monday.The...