Russian governor proposes fuel rationing by license plate number as gasoline restrictions spread to more than 20 regions

Oryol Governor Andrei Klychkov has introduced a proposal for fuel sales based on vehicle license plate numbers. Under the plan, drivers could only purchase gasoline on specific days determined by the first digit of their license plate. For instance, vehicles with plates starting with 0 or 1 would be allowed on Saturdays, 2 or 3 on Sundays, and so on through the rest of the week. The measure would apply to 57 filling stations operated by Rosneft and Gazprom.

Klychkov emphasized that no final decision has been made yet, but the proposal will be discussed with security officials on Wednesday. If approved, the system would also raise the per-person fuel purchase limit from 30 to 50 liters. Vehicles with out-of-region plates would be limited to three designated stations in Oryol, as the governor stated: "My priority is the residents of the Oryol region, not transit vehicles or people just passing through."

The governor said the rationing is intended to curb panic buying and ensure supply for one and a half to two weeks, after which the restrictions would be lifted once demand stabilizes.

Fuel sales restrictions have already been in effect in the Oryol region since June 24, limiting purchases to 30 liters at city stations and 50 liters at highway stations per person. The broader fuel crisis in Russia worsened in May following Ukrainian drone strikes on oil facilities, leading to gasoline sales restrictions in more than 20 regions.