From October 1, 2026, Russian gas stations will continue their transition to new operating rules. Some requirements concern the gas station operators themselves, but some changes directly affect motorists — primarily when paying for fuel and purchasing it in containers.
“Pervy Tekhnichesky” tells what drivers need to be prepared for when refueling.
Gas stations will strengthen payment control
Filling stations must comply with cash register requirements and issue receipts. For the driver, this means that when paying for fuel, it is important to receive an official cash document, and payments outside the established procedure can create problems primarily for the gas station itself.
Stations are increasingly using cashless payments, mobile applications, and QR codes. However, motorists should check the details before payment: fake QR codes can lead to third-party resources.
For ordinary drivers, cash payments remain. Separate restrictions apply to organizations that use cash when refueling company vehicles.
Fuel cannot be poured into random containers
When purchasing gasoline or diesel fuel for transportation outside the car's tank, the container matters. Using plastic bottles and other household containers for this is unsafe: they are not designed for storing petroleum products.
Special metal or certified plastic canisters are used for transporting fuel. Such containers must comply with safety requirements and have the necessary markings.
Gas stations are obliged to show fuel quality
Information about petroleum products is also important for motorists. Information about the quality of the fuel sold, including the corresponding quality certificate, must be available at the station.
In addition, gas stations continue to comply with fire and environmental safety requirements. For the driver, this means that when refueling, it is still necessary to follow the station's rules: turn off the engine, do not smoke, and follow the operator's instructions.
Most of the autumn changes concern the organization of gas station operations themselves and control over fuel sales. For most motorists, the usual refueling procedure does not fundamentally change, but when purchasing fuel, attention should be paid to the payment method, receipt, canister marking, and information about the quality of gasoline or diesel fuel.