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Russia’s Leningrad Region recommends limiting gasoline and diesel sales
The Leningrad region has recommended that petrol stations limit how much fuel each customer can buy, citing sales restrictions introduced by major oil companies. Governor Alexander Drozdenko said the measure is intended to prevent panic buying.
The recommended limits are 30 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel per customer. Rosneft has imposed sales limits across Russia after Ukrainian drone strikes hit several of its refineries. An overnight attack on the Leningrad region on 9 November killed one person and sparked a fire at the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery; Russia has experienced several fuel shortages in 2026 amid strikes on oil facilities.
In short
- Leningrad region recommends limits on petrol and diesel sales.
- Customers would be limited to 30 litres of petrol and 50 litres of diesel.
- The move follows refinery strikes and aims to deter panic buying.
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The case for
Limiting purchases could prevent panic buying from emptying forecourts and help ensure fuel remains available to more residents while supply is disrupted. Clear, temporary caps may also reassure the public and make distribution more orderly after attacks have affected refining capacity.
The case against
Purchase limits can inconvenience people who need larger quantities for work, travel or essential services, and may shift rather than resolve shortages. Critics could argue that restrictions risk amplifying concern about supply and that authorities should instead focus on restoring distribution and communicating clearly about availability.
Explained simply
The Leningrad Region is in north-western Russia, around St Petersburg. Petrol and diesel are sold at filling stations, while regional authorities can issue guidance and fuel companies can set their own sales rules.
Rosneft is one of Russia’s largest oil companies and operates refineries that turn crude oil into fuel. Damage to refineries can reduce supplies, and limits on purchases are intended to manage demand when supplies are under pressure.
Fuel availability matters to drivers, businesses and public services that rely on road transport. Russia has faced fuel shortages during 2026 after attacks on oil facilities, making local sales restrictions part of a wider disruption to production and supply.