Russia’s Leningrad region will limit fuel purchases to 30 liters (almost 8 gallons) per fill-up. About one in five independent and small gas stations have stopped operating.

The Leningrad region will introduce a uniform fuel-purchase limit of “30 liters per fill-up” in the coming days, the regional government’s press office told Fontanka. Officials did not explain what “30 liters per fill-up” means, but it most likely refers to a 30-liter limit per vehicle.

The regional government called it a “temporary measure” that will remain in place until October 1. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said earlier that oil companies proposed the limit.

“We decided against QR codes and ration coupons for residents — they would cause needless inconvenience. We’re keeping an odd-even system in reserve, but for now we’ll try to manage without it,” he said.

The governor described the region’s fuel situation as “difficult.” He said the top priority was “preventing panic,” which “fuels a surge in demand.” Drozdenko said about 20% of independent and small gas stations had stopped operating “because they were unable to buy the quantities they needed on the commodities exchange.”

Drozdenko said the supply of AI-92 gasoline “is stabilizing”: “Fuel is available, and the outlook is positive.” As for AI-95, he said, “Things remain difficult: it is available, but there is less of it on the market than usual.” The region has no diesel shortages, the governor said.

The second wave of Russia’s fuel crisis began in August, driven by Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries. Gasoline prices rose, and lines formed again at gas stations, as they had in previous months.

According to Reuters, three of Russia’s six largest diesel-producing refineries sharply reduced production or shut down entirely in September because of damage from the attacks.