Russia Prolongs Use of Lower-Grade Gasoline to 2027 to Shore Up Supply
Russia will allow gasoline meeting lower environmental classes (K2–K4, Euro-2/3/4) to be produced, imported, and sold through July 1, 2027, with higher methanol (up to 3%) and sulfur limits (up to 500 mg/kg) to avert domestic shortages amid wartime refinery disruptions. Production has fallen to about 65% of seasonal norms in early July 2026, prompting Belarusian imports and increased fuel inflows from India, Kazakhstan, and Morocco, while diesel exports remain restricted. Authorities say the move stabilizes the market, though experts warn lower-grade fuels may be unsafe for some modern vehicles and deeper processing is bypassed to keep supplies flowing. Aims to prevent shortages as the war strains Russia’s energy sector.