The region that produces 40% of Russia’s oil is now rationing fuel

Speaking at a government meeting, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug Governor Ruslan Kukharuk announced fuel purchase limits at some gas stations in the region.

Kukharuk said the restrictions were introduced “to account for heightened demand” for gasoline and diesel, and to head off a shortage and prevent “speculation and resale.” He did not specify which stations were affected.

Kukharuk also told residents that “petroleum product reserves in the okrug are available in sufficient quantities” and urged them not to “create an artificial shortage.”

The Russian news outlet Muksun.fm reported that the limits apply to certain Gazprom Neft stations, where customers may buy up to 40 liters (about 10.6 gallons) of gasoline and up to 80 liters (about 21.1 gallons) of diesel per transaction. Lukoil stations face limits as well.

The okrug produces roughly 40% of Russia’s annual oil output — more than any other region — and oil extraction supplies over 70% of its budget revenue. In late 2025, Kukharuk said the region intended to maintain production at its current level in the coming years.

Russia’s gasoline crisis is spreading to more regions. Fuel purchase limits have been imposed in central Russia, as well as in Irkutsk, Omsk, and Novosibirsk regions. The per-customer gasoline limit is generally capped at 30–40 liters. The shortage is most severe in Crimea, where gas stations have stopped selling gasoline entirely.

According to Reuters, average daily gasoline production in Russia fell by roughly 25% in the week of June 15–21, compared with the daily average for June 2025. Vedomosti reported that the Russian government is considering increasing fuel imports and subsidizing them.