In Arkhangelsk and Severodvinsk, motorists have been offered AI-98 gasoline instead of AI-95 amid ongoing supply problems with the most popular brand. Since September 16, high-octane fuel has appeared at five gas stations at once, said Arkhangelsk Oblast Governor Alexander Tsybulsky.

The appearance of AI-98 as a temporary alternative shows how tense the situation with regular AI-95 remains. As early as the beginning of September, there were interruptions in the availability of gasoline at individual gas stations in Arkhangelsk, and on September 14–15, local media continued to publish lists of gas stations where fuel was available.

The problems have already spread beyond one region. In August and September, restrictions on fuel sales and supply disruptions were recorded in various parts of Russia, and Reuters reported a reduction or cessation of operations at a number of large oil refineries. According to Rosstat, the average price of AI-95 in the country reached 80.60 rubles per liter by September 7, an increase of 21.5% since the beginning of the year.

In Arkhangelsk Oblast, authorities are simultaneously trying to curb price increases at independent gas stations. There are more than 60 such gas stations in the region, and the first owners have already agreed to voluntarily limit their trade margin. According to Tsybulsky, gasoline sales have increased, and queues at gas stations have begun to shrink, but the region continues to seek increased fuel supplies.