The Tatneft gas station chain has introduced restrictions on fuel sales in St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia. According to "Forpost Severo-Zapad", on June 12, limits began to apply at the company's gas stations – no more than 20 liters of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline per car, and up to 40 liters of diesel fuel. At some stations, payment is temporarily accepted only in cash.
The reason is not a general shortage, but a combination of factors. Artyom Golubev, Associate Professor at SZIU RANEPA, explained that demand was affected by the start of the automotive season, when people actively travel to dachas and on long trips. In summer, oil refineries traditionally undergo maintenance and repairs, which also affects production volumes. At the same time, the Kirishinefteorgsintez (KINEF) refinery in the Leningrad Region might have started shipping some fuel to the south to prevent a collapse similar to the one in Crimea. This redistribution of resources from the Northwestern Federal District could also have affected local reserves.
According to Golubev, introducing limits is the "lesser of two evils" compared to a complete disappearance of fuel at gas stations. He did not rule out that the situation could worsen by the end of summer if refinery repairs are delayed.
In turn, Alexander Khodachek, Vice President of HSE in St. Petersburg, noted that the restrictions could be related to possible delays in gasoline supply from major dealers or oil refineries.
Where Gasoline Sales Restrictions Apply
The Tatneft gas station chain introduced limits simultaneously in several regions. According to the company's hotline, restrictions apply across the entire network, but operators do not provide an exact list of cities. Correspondents and readers of regional publications have recorded the following locations:
Yaroslavl: At Tatneft gas stations, gasoline is sold at 20 liters, diesel at 40. Payment is cash only. Some gas stations are closed "due to technical reasons".
Kazan and Tatarstan: In the republic's capital, a 20-liter limit has been introduced at several Tatneft gas stations, some have run out of diesel fuel, and individual stations are temporarily closed. Large queues have formed near the Mega shopping center. Restrictions have also been recorded in other cities of Tatarstan.
Udmurtia: Fuel sales limits have been introduced at Tatneft gas stations, users report the disappearance of 95-octane gasoline.
Samara and Ulyanovsk: Sales volume restrictions are also confirmed.
Arkhangelsk Region: Fueling problems similar to other regions have been recorded.
Moscow: Fuel sales restrictions at some Tatneft gas stations have also been introduced in the capital.
The Situation with Gasoline in Crimea and Sevastopol
The situation on the peninsula has been escalating over several weeks and remains the most difficult to date.
End of May: In Crimea and Sevastopol, a restriction was introduced on the sale of AI-95 gasoline – no more than 20 liters per person once a day. Later, this brand of fuel began to be supplied on a priority basis for municipal and social transport, as well as by coupons.
Beginning of June: In Sevastopol, the free sale of gasoline was completely stopped. Fuel is sold by coupons, which were purchased in advance. Cash sales are also restricted.
June 14: In Sevastopol, the opening of free fuel sales at eight Atan network gas stations was announced. At other TES network gas stations, sales will continue only by QR codes.
What Companies and Authorities Say
Amid reports of restrictions, companies provide sparse comments on social media. Tatneft confirms the existence of limits but does not explain the reasons. In Yaroslavl, the hotline reported "temporary technical restrictions in the operation of bank terminals".
In St. Petersburg, the city's energy committee stated that fuel reserves in warehouses are sufficient, and there are no prerequisites for a shortage. The department emphasized that it had not given instructions to introduce any restrictions. The Russian Fuel Union holds a similar position, commenting on the situation in Moscow: there is no shortage.
In St. Petersburg, the situation is not critical: at Gazprom, Rosneft, and Lukoil gas stations, gasoline is sold without restrictions.
