Currently, Russia imports gasoline and diesel from Belarus. In October 2025, the Eurasian Economic Commission (EEC) council eliminated the 5% import duty on supplies until June 30, 2026. Earlier this June, Russia proposed extending the zero import duty period until June 2027.
Authorities may also allow the production of petroleum products that do not comply with current technical regulations. Media reports have previously indicated that certain refineries were permitted to produce gasoline and diesel fuel that diverges from established requirements. Additionally, the plan prioritizes fuel supply to the domestic market and aims to maximize the production capacity of oil companies.
Furthermore, the government may temporarily reduce the mandated sales of gasoline on the exchange from 15% to 10% of production volume. Volumes that do not reach the exchange are expected to be directed to socially significant consumers, Vedomosti reported, referencing a source.
Igor Yushkov, an expert at the Financial University under the Government of Russia, stated that payments through the damping mechanism associated with gasoline imports are related to stabilizing prices in the domestic market. According to Sergey Kaufman, an analyst at FG “Finam,” otherwise, gasoline prices at independent gas stations would be significantly higher. Sergey Tereshkin, CEO of Open Oil Market, believes regulators should consider centralized fuel procurement from foreign sources utilizing reserve fund resources.
It is worth noting that at the beginning of June, the Ministry of Energy of Russia explained the challenges with fuel deliveries in certain southern regions as being a consequence of air strikes on fuel and energy sector facilities. The ministry described the situation as temporary and announced the establishment of an industry task force to stabilize it. Subsequently, the government allowed certain refineries to produce gasoline based on “Euro-3” standards.
Several regions in Russia have imposed restrictions on fuel sales. Sales limits are currently in effect in the Omsk and Saratov regions, as regional authorities have reported. In the Voronezh region, restrictions have been implemented by only one large gas station network thus far. In the Irkutsk and Vladimir regions, gas stations are prioritizing service.
Source: M.Bizness
