Russia’s Fuel Market Partially ‘Stabilizing,’ Deputy PM Novak Says

July 21, 2026 REUTERS / Ramil Sitdikov Russia’s domestic fuel crunch is beginning to show signs of stabilizing following government intervention in the market, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said Tuesday, though he acknowledged that some regions continue to face supply challenges. Ukrainian drone strikes against Russian oil refineries in recent months have damaged major production facilities and in some cases forced shutdowns, triggering nationwide fuel shortages and rationing. Speaking after a government meeting on Tuesday, Novak, the Kremlin’s pointman for energy policy, said several regions have lifted gasoline and diesel purchase limits, while long lines at gas stations have also eased. Novak said state measures like foreign fuel purchases and delayed routine refinery maintenance have helped relieve pressure on the domestic market. “We see that these measures are bringing results and the market is already partially stabilizing,” Novak told state media, adding that officials are working directly with energy companies to address remaining shortfalls. According to industry sources cited by Reuters, Russian gasoline output plummeted to roughly 65% of average seasonal consumption in early July after missing demand targets in previous months. To prevent acute shortages in Moscow and the surrounding region, which is home to over one-sixth of Russia’s population, the authorities redirected fuel supplies from Siberia and other parts of the country, as well as increased imports from Belarus. Supplies in the capital stabilized by mid-July following a mid-June attack on the Moscow Oil Refinery that caused widespread lines at gas stations and localized shortages. Nationwide, fuel costs continue to put pressure on consumers. The average price of gasoline in Russia has climbed 16.4% since the start of the year, with a single-week increase pushing the national average to 75.84 rubles per liter ($3.65 per gallon) as of July 13. 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 Feature ‘I Don’t Know When This Will End’: As Ukraine Steps Up Strikes, Crimea Grapples With Fuel Shortages and Blackouts Kyiv's campaign to isolate Crimea and ramp up pressure on Moscow is transforming life on the annexed peninsula. 5 Min read Russian Railways Forms Task Force to Address Fuel Shortages The company highlighted growing concern over aviation fuel, noting that keeping Russian airports supplied has become a “zone of special attention”... 2 Min read Tatneft Limits Gasoline Sales Following Ukrainian Drone Strike on Its Refinery In some regions, passenger vehicles are now restricted to purchases of 30 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel at Tatneft gas stations. 2 Min read Small Share of Sevastopol Gas Stations Lift Fuel Rationing Restrictions Nine out of more than 100 gas stations belonging to a single major retailer have resumed sales in annexed Crimea’s biggest city of Sevastopol 1 Min read