Free petrol sales restored in 15 Russian regions after refinery attacks halted

Russian media report that the country has begun gradually lifting restrictions on the free sale of automotive fuel. This process is linked to the cessation of strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on oil refineries.

Where the free fuel market has already been restored

According to data for October, the regime of free petrol sales has returned to 15 regions. These include Ryazan, Lipetsk, Kostroma, Voronezh, Novosibirsk, Tyumen, Sverdlovsk and Tomsk oblasts, as well as Krasnodar and Stavropol krais.

Restrictions have also been fully lifted in Crimea and Sevastopol. It was in these territories that the fuel shortage was previously felt most acutely.

Stabilisation factors and remaining restrictions

The stabilisation of the situation is also aided by the seasonal decline in fuel demand.

Meanwhile, sales restrictions remain in force in a number of regions. These territories include Tambov and Leningrad oblasts, as well as the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug.