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Fuel and Gas Station Issues in Russia: what actually matters to know

From real experience

tipTravelers between Russia and Belarus currently face fuel shortages at stations in the Smolensk, Lipetsk, and Tula regions.
Recommended strategy: refill to full capacity in major hubs (Moscow/St. Petersburg). Carry fuel in 20L canisters (adhering to the 240L limit for personal use) if necessary. Diesel fuel is generally more available than gasoline. At the border, do not declare personal fuel storage unless asked to avoid administrative delays. Belarus fuel supply is reported as normal.
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riskIn Pskov Oblast, Russia, gasoline availability is restricted based on vehicle license plate numbers and days of the week, effective from July 14th.
It is highly recommended to fill your fuel tank completely in St. Petersburg before heading towards Belarus, as shortages have been reported. Driving conservatively should allow reaching Belarusian gas stations on a single tank.
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caseOn the Chuysky Trakt route from Kemerovo towards Mongolia, fuel availability can be inconsistent, with some gas stations having long queues while others are empty.
95-octane gasoline is scarce, with 92-octane being more common, priced between 76.80 and 79.90 RUB. Gasoline can be poured into canisters at all stations without issue, with only one instance of a STS (vehicle registration certificate) being requested at an Optima station.
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riskOccasional fuel supply restrictions have been reported at Russian gas stations (e.g., Lukoil in the Voronezh region), limiting purchases to 30-60 liters for cars.
Drivers are advised to maintain a fuel buffer and avoid relying on empty-tank driving strategies due to potential queue delays and limited availability.
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tipWhen traveling to Mongolia from Russia, consider using the route via Abaza instead of Kyzyl.
Kyzyl may have long queues and high fuel prices (reported up to 150 RUB/liter for gasoline).
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