Moscow cancels fuel truck permits to maintain petrol station supplies

Moscow cancelled the licensing requirement for fuel truck drivers on 23 June to ensure uninterrupted supply to petrol stations. Fuel shortages are spreading across Russia as Ukrainian drone attacks have damaged oil refineries and Crimea's fuel supplies have been almost completely cut off.

According to the official website of Moscow's mayor, the city cancelled on 23 June the requirement that fuel truck drivers obtain special permits to operate in Moscow. The change took effect at the request of petrol station network owners, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted fuel deliveries to petrol stations in the city and surrounding areas.

Previously, heavy truck drivers whose vehicles exceeded a permitted total mass of 3.5 tonnes were required to obtain special permits to drive in Moscow. Fines for those driving without permits have also been temporarily suspended. The duration of this measure has not been specified.

Ukrainian attacks deepen the crisis

Fuel shortages are worsening across Russia as Ukraine continues long-range strikes against oil refineries and has almost completely cut off fuel supplies to Crimea. Restrictions on petrol sales have already been introduced in central Russia, Siberia and the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug, which accounts for approximately 40% of Russia's total annual oil production.

Logistical pressures emerging domestically reflect the broader impact of Ukrainian long-range attacks on Russia's energy infrastructure. Reduced refining capacity and mounting pressure on supply chains have forced regional authorities to introduce restrictions and seek rapid solutions to maintain fuel reserves.