The sale of Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 ecological class gasoline in Russia has been extended for another year, until July 1, 2027. The decision was made by the government to increase the available volumes of fuel on the domestic market and reduce the risk of supply disruptions.

According to the government decree, manufacturers will be able to produce, and market participants will be able to sell gasoline of the specified classes during the established period. Gas stations, in turn, will have to inform customers about the class of fuel being sold.

The Ministry of Energy explained that the temporary permit does not mean a revision of environmental requirements for motor fuel. The restrictions have been eased only as a temporary anti-crisis measure to stabilize the market.

In Russia, the Euro-2 standard was adopted by the government in the autumn of 2005. Sales of AI-95 gasoline of the Euro-2 ecological class in Russia were banned from January 1, 2011, and from January 1, 2013, any Euro-2 and lower class fuel was prohibited from circulation in the Russian Federation.

Earlier in July, authorities had already allowed the sale of Euro-3 class gasoline, and also took additional measures to increase fuel supply. These include reducing the minimum standard for gasoline sales on the exchange from 15% to 10% and temporarily restricting gasoline exports.

The new decision effectively expands the list of available fuel that can enter the domestic market, which should help oil companies increase supply volumes amid increased demand.

Modern cars, especially those with turbocharged engines and direct injection, will not break down instantly if regularly fueled with Euro-2 gasoline instead of Euro-5, but they will wear out faster. The increased sulfur content (up to 500 ppm instead of 10 ppm for Euro-5) damages the catalytic converter, contaminates exhaust system sensors, accelerates deposit formation in the exhaust system, and reduces turbocharger efficiency. As a result, engine oil ages faster. This increases the risk of errors in the engine management system, increases fuel consumption, requires expensive exhaust system repairs, and reduces the car's residual value. Short-term use of such fuel usually does not lead to serious consequences, but with prolonged operation, the resource of ecological systems and some components can be significantly reduced.