What specific fuel quality standards is Russia considering temporarily relaxing, and for how long?

According to the Kommersant daily newspaper, citing a draft governmental document, Russia may allow the temporary production and import of gasoline and diesel meeting the Euro-2 standard—which permits higher sulphur content and has been banned since 2013—for a period of one year until July 2027.

What is driving Russia's decision to potentially lower fuel quality standards?

Russia's consideration of lowering fuel quality standards is driven by a worsening fuel supply crisis caused by Ukraine's intensified drone strikes on Russian refineries and energy infrastructure, which have triggered widespread fuel shortages and price spikes across the country.

Russia May Allow Lower Quality Fuel Production, Imports as Supply Crisis Bites, Report Says

Jun 29, 2026

Russia may temporarily allow production and import of lower-quality Euro-2 fuel until July 2027 to mitigate shortages caused by Ukrainian drone strikes on refineries. President Putin acknowledged the crisis as the government drafts emergency measures.

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Russia May Allow Lower Quality Fuel Production, Imports as Supply Crisis Bites, Report Says

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