Russia Permits Lower‑Grade Gasoline to Ease Fuel Shortages

On 5 August 2026 the Russian Energy Ministry, signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, issued a temporary decree allowing the production, import and sale of gasoline meeting Euro‑2, Euro‑3 and Euro‑4 (K2‑K4) standards until 1 July 2027. The measure is intended to stabilise domestic fuel supplies after Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries cut refining capacity to its lowest level in more than two decades, creating a sharp shortage of higher‑grade fuel.

Fuel stations must clearly display the environmental classification of the gasoline they sell, and the decree does not alter Russia’s long‑term environmental policy. Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said the step was necessary to compensate for deficits caused by the drone strikes, noting that imports of gasoline and diesel from Belarus had risen dramatically to cover the shortfall.