Russia’s second fuel crisis this summer: prices climbing, rationing in 59 regions, and now a motor oil shortage
Gasoline prices rose in 40 Russian regions between August 11 and 17, according to Russia’s state statistics agency, Rosstat. The steepest increase, 8.1%, came in Krasnoyarsk Krai. Prices fell in 20 other regions, with the sharpest drop, 3.6%, in Tyva. From the start of the year through July 12, the average price of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at Russian gas stations rose 7.4%, the Russian business…
In August 2026, Russia is experiencing its second fuel crisis of the summer, with gasoline prices rising and rationing implemented in 59 regions. The steepest price increase of 8.1% was seen in Krasnoyarsk Krai, while prices dropped by 3.6% in Tyva. The average price of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at Russian gas stations rose by 7.4% from the start of the year through July 12, while diesel prices increased by 12.1% over the same period.
Gas station chains in Moscow and St. Petersburg have reintroduced limits on fuel sales, capping purchases at 50 liters of gasoline and 60 liters of diesel per customer. Lines at Moscow gas stations have formed, with some Muscovites waking up at 5 a.m. to fill up before the lines. At least 59 regions now have strict fuel sale limits, with 17 regions facing localized supply disruptions or price increases.
Gasoline and diesel were available at only 28% of Russian gas stations as of August 16. The crisis is hitting Russia unevenly, with complaints most often coming from Siberia. In Bodaibo district of Irkutsk region, gasoline supplies could run out within a month. Shortages have also emerged in Krasnodar Krai, Tambov, and Astrakhan regions.
Samara region has extended its existing limits, now allowing drivers to fill canisters. Russia has reportedly begun importing fuel from India and Morocco to ease the crisis. Imported gasoline traded at 80 rubles a liter, while domestic fuel averaged 54 rubles a liter. Motor oil supplies are also affected, with some product lines disappearing from the market, delivery times lengthening, and prices in some segments jumping 40%.
Refineries in Tyumen, Ryazan, Orsk, Volgograd, Saratov, Yaroslavl, Nizhnekamsk, Samara region, Krasnodar Krai, and Bashkortostan have been targeted by drone strikes, causing operations to halt for up to six months. Ukraine resumed attacking Russian oil refineries in late July, leading to the shutdown of at least three refineries.
Written by urgent.news from Meduza (English)'s reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
