Russian Regions Begin Odd-Even Gasoline Rationing

July 10, 2026 REUTERS / Sergei Pivovarov At least six Russian regions have rolled out an odd-even gasoline purchase plan as long lines of motorists continue to inundate gas stations amid nationwide fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries. The central Oryol region was the first to introduce the license plate-based rationing scheme last month to cope with the growing fuel crunch. Drivers with license plates starting with an odd digit are allowed to buy gasoline on odd-numbered days of the month. Those with license plates starting with an even digit — with zero considered an even number — are restricted to even-numbered days. On Thursday, the Nizhny Novgorod region, the republic of Mordovia and the city of Astrakhan adopted the same odd-even rules, according to a tally by the exiled news outlet Meduza. The Pskov region joined the system on Friday, followed by the Lipetsk and Kirov regions, where the restrictions take effect on Saturday. Reports indicate the Ivanovo, Tambov and Yaroslavl regions are also weighing similar rules. Since the spring, Ukraine has targeted most of Russia’s oil refineries with drones as it seeks to increase the costs of the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion and disrupt daily life for Russians. Drone strikes have halted or scaled back production at facilities that account for a large share of Russia’s gasoline output, leading to fuel shortages across the country and rising prices. In June, President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that Russia is facing a “certain shortage” of fuel due to Ukrainian attacks. Russia has introduced temporary export bans for diesel, gasoline and jet fuel to address the crisis. It has also started importing gasoline from abroad, including from Belarus and India. Industry sources told Reuters that they expect the supply problems in Russia’s domestic fuel market to improve later in July as refineries resume operations and fuel imports increase. However, further Ukrainian attacks on energy infrastructure could exacerbate problems. Read more about: Gasoline , Regions 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 Irkutsk Police Fine Gasoline Scalpers as Governor Declares ‘High Alert’ Over Supply Problems Regional law enforcement said several people were caught reselling gasoline online and charging as much as $12.15 per gallon. 2 Min read Regions Calling: As Fuel Crisis Widens, Russia's Regions Brace for the Worst Fuel shortages triggered by Ukrainian attacks on oil refineries and supply networks are transforming lives across Russia’s regions. What comes next? 7 Min read Annexed Crimea’s Largest Gas Station Chain Suspends Fuel Vouchers as Shortage Worsens Kremlin-backed authorities in the peninsula warned that the current fuel shortage would likely last at least another month. 2 Min read