Russia Limits Gas to 30 Liters as Rationing Hits Moscow and St. Petersburg

Gasoline rationing has returned to Russia’s two largest cities, and the state-controlled oil giant Rosneft is now limiting every driver to 30 liters per fill-up at all of its stations nationwide. The measure, confirmed by company officials, applies to Moscow and St. Petersburg as well as regional outlets. Rosneft, which operates thousands of fuel stations across Russia, has introduced the cap to manage supply amid growing shortages. A 30-liter limit is roughly half of what a typical mid-sized car’s tank can hold. For many drivers, this means more frequent trips to the pump and longer queues. The move follows weeks of reports about fuel scarcity in several Russian regions. Analysts point to a combination of refinery maintenance, export pressures, and domestic demand as contributing factors. Rosneft has not said how long the restriction will last. Local authorities in the affected cities have urged residents to remain calm, but no official explanation has been given for the sudden nationwide cap. For now, motorists in Russia face the reality of limited fuel—and the return of a practice last seen during the Soviet era.