Russia Relaxes Fuel Standards to Prevent Shortages

Russia has allowed selected refineries to produce gasoline and diesel that do not fully meet existing environmental standards in an effort to ease fuel-supply pressures, according to the newspaper Kommersant.

A source cited by the publication said the rules were relaxed for some refineries as early as last autumn. The measure was initially due to expire on 1 May but has since been extended.

The exemption applies to fuels that deviate from approved standards, including limits on sulfur content.

Reports of fuel shortages have surfaced in roughly a dozen Russian regions. Authorities in Russian-occupied Crimea and two Siberian regions have officially acknowledged supply problems.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak last week called for improved market forecasting to prevent disruptions in fuel distribution and supply.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Russian republic of Udmurtia have imposed temporary restrictions on sales of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline at Tatneft gas stations. Officials attributed the move to technical and logistical issues that are expected to be resolved next week.

(reuters, bak)