Russia Rolls Back Fuel Quality Standards to Quell Domestic Shortages

Russia has rolled back its fuel quality standards to address domestic shortages, allowing the sale of lower-grade gasoline that was previously banned. According to a government decree signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 standard fuels will be permitted on the market until July 1, 2027.

The move is part of an effort to stabilize the domestic fuel market, which has been impacted by Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries and storage hubs. The Russian government had previously banned Euro-2 fuel in 2013 due to its high pollutant levels, completing a transition to cleaner Euro-5 standards in 2016. Euro-2 gasoline contains up to 50 times more sulfur than Euro-5 fuel, which can degrade engine components and exhaust systems, as well as contribute to smog and acid rain.

Environmental experts have warned that burning lower-grade fuel can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma in urban centers. The Energy Ministry has framed the rollback as an “anti-crisis measure to strike a balance between fuel quality standards and consumer availability.” Gas stations will be required to clearly display the environmental class of the fuel at the pump, allowing drivers to make an informed choice about their purchases.

The decision comes as the Russian government continues to grapple with a nationwide fuel shortage. Last month, the government extended a ban on gasoline and diesel exports through the end of January 2027. The average price of gasoline in Russia has increased by 17.7% since the start of the year, although it dipped by 1.4% over the past week to 77.69 rubles per liter ($3.61 per gallon) as of August 3.

Article and image source: themoscowtimes.com