Russia authorizes low-quality fuel to combat gasoline shortage

To combat a nationwide fuel shortage, the Russian government has issued a decree allowing the temporary production, import, and sale of lower-quality gasoline standards (Euro 2, Euro 3, and Euro 4) until July 1, 2027. The Ministry of Energy categorized this as a "counter-crisis measure."

The shortage is attributed to Ukrainian drone strikes targeting Russian refineries, specifically damaging catalytic reforming units essential for high-octane gasoline production. Reports indicate that gasoline production fell to approximately 65 percent of domestic demand in early July 2026, contributing to rising fuel prices.

This policy shift is causing significant mechanical issues for the modern Russian vehicle fleet. Since the departure of Western brands, Chinese manufacturers like Haval, Geely, Chery, and Changan have come to dominate the market, accounting for roughly two-thirds of new car sales. These vehicles utilize modern, sensitive turbocharged engines designed for Euro 5 fuel. The reintroduced Euro 2 gasoline contains up to 500 mg/kg of sulfur—fifty times the 10 mg/kg limit allowed in Euro 5—which mechanics report is causing a surge in engine and fuel system failures.