In the Russian republic of Tatarstan, known for its significant oil production, authorities have introduced limits on gasoline sales at select gas stations. Similar restrictions have also been observed in major gas station networks in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
The Tatarstan government announced that these measures aim to prevent artificial shortages and to maintain a stable supply situation. Tatarstan ranks second in Russia for oil extraction, following the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, and is among the top five regions for oil refining, housing several large oil processing plants.
On June 12, Ukrainian forces reported successful strikes on the “TANEKO” and “TAIF-NK” oil refineries located in Nizhnekamsk, Tatarstan. This escalation in military activity has raised concerns about fuel availability.
In Moscow, major gas stations, including those operated by “Tatneft,” have implemented limits of up to 20 liters for AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline, and 40 liters for diesel fuel. Similar restrictions were introduced at “Tatneft” stations in St. Petersburg on the same day.
At “Rosneft” stations in Moscow, a general limit of 90 liters applies for both fuel tanks and canisters, while “Lukoil” allows a maximum of 100 liters of gasoline or diesel per transaction. Earlier, on June 2, the ORTK gas station network, primarily located in the Moscow region and New Moscow, also began enforcing fuel sale limits.
Despite earlier claims from “Rosneft” and “Tatneft” that there were no general limits, they indicated that restrictions could be imposed at specific stations based on prevailing conditions. “Lukoil” had previously reported a limit of 100 liters on gasoline sales, with no restrictions on diesel at that time.
Ukrainian military operations have increasingly targeted Russian oil industry facilities, contributing to a growing fuel shortage. Residents in regions such as Belgorod, Ryazan, and Krasnodar have reported difficulties obtaining gasoline and diesel. The most severe shortages are currently being felt in Russian-occupied Crimea, where supply routes have been disrupted by Ukrainian drone strikes targeting the roadway connecting the peninsula to Russia’s Rostov region.
Tatarstan has implemented fuel sales limits to prevent shortages, reflecting broader supply concerns amid ongoing military actions in Ukraine. This situation has led to similar restrictions in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, impacting fuel availability across various regions.