Kursk drivers can now buy gasoline only on days matching their license plate numbers. The governor says the new rule protects them from Ukrainian strikes.
Russia’s Kursk region will start rationing fuel by license plate number on July 15, Governor Alexander Khinshtein announced.
Vehicles with plates beginning with an even digit may refuel on even-numbered days; those beginning with an odd digit, on odd-numbered days.
It is unclear how long the restrictions will remain in effect. Khinshtein said they are meant to cut lines at gas stations and protect civilians from Ukrainian strikes. “This practice has proven its effectiveness in other regions,” the governor said.
Since the start of July, at least seven Russian regions and cities have introduced rationing by license plate: the Oryol, Nizhny Novgorod, Pskov, Lipetsk, and Kirov regions, along with Mordovia and Astrakhan.
Russia’s fuel crisis began in May, as Ukraine intensified its strikes on Russian oil infrastructure — refineries in particular. Every one of Russia’s 10 largest refineries has come under Ukrainian attack.
As a result, oil production and refining and sales have all declined. July refining volumes fell to their lowest level since 2005, according to British analysts.
The shortage has produced long lines at gas stations. Many Russian regions have imposed limits on gasoline sales.
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