Russia Relaxes Fuel Quality Standards to Ease Supply Shortages After Refinery Attacks
Impact of Refinery Attacks and Regulatory Response
MOSCOW, June 15 (Reuters) - Russia is allowing some oil refineries to produce fuel with lower environmental specifications for the domestic market, the Kommersant newspaper reported on Monday, as Ukrainian attacks on Russian energy infrastructure squeeze supplies.
Increase in Drone Strikes and Production Decline
The number of drone strikes on Russian refineries has doubled since the start of 2026, leading to full or partial shutdown of oil processing and a decline in production of gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel, according to official data, social media, and Reuters calculations.
Regulatory Changes to Fuel Standards
Citing a source, Kommersant said the authorities sought last autumn to avert future fuel shortages by relaxing rules for certain refineries to allow them to sell gasoline and diesel domestically with higher levels of sulphur and other pollutants. The measure was extended on May 1, the source said.
Details of the Eased Requirements
Under the eased requirements, gasoline can contain up to 150 parts per million of sulphur, around 15 times the maximum permitted in Europe, China, and India. They also allow a higher share of aromatic hydrocarbons, toxic compounds linked to health issues.
Lack of Official Documentation
Reuters could not find official documents on the changes.
Market Response and Regional Impact
Limited Adoption by Refineries
So far, there have only been isolated cases of refineries producing fuel to the lower specifications, market sources told Reuters.
Fuel Supply Disruptions
Meanwhile, fuel supply disruptions have been reported by the media and on social media in around a dozen Russian regions, according to data compiled by Reuters.
Price Increases on the Exchange
Wholesale lots of AI-95 gasoline and diesel fuel on the St Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange rose 10% in the first half of June, and exchange prices are still far from stabilising, traders said.
Regional Fuel Rationing Measures
On Monday, authorities in the Udmurtia region east of Moscow said temporary limits would be in force on AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at stations operated by Tatneft from June 12.
Public Reaction
Long lines of cars waited to refuel at a gas station in Sevastopol city on Monday.
One driver in the queue doubted things would improve while the war lasted. "How can it be solved, how? Only if the special military operation ends," said Alyona, who gave only her first name.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Lucy Papachristou and Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Kirsten Donovan and Tomasz Janowski)
