Several Russian regions impose restrictions on gasoline sales

The Irkutsk, Omsk, and Novosibirsk regions have imposed restrictions on gasoline sales.

Omsk Governor Viktor Khostenko announced on the evening of June 22 that fuel sales in canisters would be banned and purchases capped at 40 liters per vehicle — steps he said were needed to prevent “artificial panic at gas stations.” Diesel fuel sales were also restricted: 80 liters per fill-up at regular gas stations and 200 liters on highways.

Irkutsk Governor Igor Kobzev said on June 22 that the region had been “forced to switch to manual management — determining fuel volumes for each recipient individually.”

Novosibirsk Governor Andrei Travnikov announced on the morning of June 23 that his region would need to restrict fuel sales because neighboring regions had already introduced limits on gasoline and diesel. He said he had instructed the region’s Industry and Trade Ministry to negotiate with gas station network owners and reach a unified position on the issue by the end of the day.

Saratov Governor Roman Busargin also announced restrictions on gasoline sales for individuals on the evening of June 22. Gas stations in the region would operate under a 30-liter-per-vehicle cap through June 30, he said, calling it “a necessary measure to reduce unwarranted panic and potential speculation in the fuel market.”

Ukrainian forces have been systematically striking Russia’s oil refining infrastructure. According to Reuters, by the end of May, drone attacks had forced nearly all of the largest refineries in central Russia to scale back or halt operations.