Moscow Lifts Permit Requirement for Fuel Tankers Amid Widespread Shortages
Moscow has abolished special permits for fuel tanker drivers as of June 23 to ensure uninterrupted deliveries to gas stations, as fuel shortages intensify across Russia due to Ukrainian strikes on refineries and the cutoff of supplies to Crimea.
Moscow has lifted the requirement for fuel tanker drivers to obtain special permits to enter and travel within the city, effective June 23, according to the mayor's official website. The exemption was made at the request of gas station network owners in and around Moscow, aiming to prevent disruptions in fuel deliveries. Previously, heavy vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons needed a permit, and fines for driving without one have been temporarily suspended. No timeframe has been given for how long the measure will remain in effect.
Gasoline shortages across Russia's regions are intensifying as Ukraine continues long-range strikes on oil refineries and has almost completely cut off fuel supplies to Crimea. Restrictions on gasoline sales have already been imposed in central Russia, Siberia, and the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug, which accounts for about 40% of Russia's total annual oil production. The move highlights the strain on Russia's domestic fuel market amid the ongoing war.
