Russia Rolls Back Fuel Quality Standards to Quell Domestic Shortages

Aug. 6, 2026 Arthur Novosiltsev / Moskva News Agency The Russian government has authorized the temporary production, import and sale of low-grade gasoline that was banned more than a decade ago, the Energy Ministry said Thursday, framing the move as an “anti-crisis measure” amid a nationwide fuel shortage. Under a decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Euro-2, Euro-3 and Euro-4 standard fuels will be allowed to be sold on the market through July 1, 2027. Russia originally banned Euro-2 fuel in 2013 due to high pollutant levels, completing a transition to cleaner Euro-5 standards in 2016. Euro-2 gasoline permits up to 50 times more sulfur than Euro-5 fuel. High sulfur concentrations degrade engine components and exhaust systems. Environmental experts also warn that burning lower-grade fuel increases smog and acid rain, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma in urban centers. The Energy Ministry framed the rollback as an “anti-crisis measure to strike a balance between fuel quality standards and consumer availability.” It said gas stations will be required to “clearly and visibly” display the environmental class of the fuel at the pump, allowing drivers to make an “informed choice” about their purchases. The move comes as authorities continue to try to stabilize the domestic fuel market following a series of damaging Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and storage hubs. Last month, the Russian government extended a ban on gasoline and diesel exports through the end of next January. The average price of gasoline in Russia has climbed 17.7% since the start of the year, but dipped by 1.4% over the past week. A single-week decrease lowered the national average to 77.69 rubles per liter ($3.61 per gallon) as of Monday, Aug. 3. Read more about: Gasoline 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 Vologda’s Governor Told the Public Not to Panic Over Fuel Shortages. Then His Car Ran Out of Gas. Vologda region Governor Georgy Filimonov said he ran out of gasoline while driving and had to hitch a ride with the traffic police. 2 Min read Russian Government Weighs Total Ban on Diesel Exports Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak described the situation in the domestic fuel market as “challenging but under control.” 3 Min read Russian Antitrust Service Enlists E-Commerce Sites to Block Speculative Fuel Resales Avito has temporarily hidden all fuel-trading ads, while online marketplaces Ozon and Wildberries have banned gasoline sales outright. 2 Min read Antitrust Service Investigating Moscow Gas Stations for Possible Price Gouging Neftmagistral and EuroTrans have until June 26 to submit pricing data to the Federal Anti-Monopoly Service for gasoline and diesel sales. 2 Min read