OREANDA-NEWS  Since August 18, the St. Petersburg Stock Exchange has launched a number of bases for the sale of gasoline of reduced standards, the site reported.

In particular, auctions of AI-92 Euro-2, Euro-3, Euro-4 standards, as well as AI-95 and AI-98 Euro-4 standards have begun.

In early July, the government allowed the turnover of gasoline with adjusted requirements for sulfur content. The measure was motivated by the need to improve the reliability of fuel supply and send additional volumes of petroleum products to the domestic market.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak noted that the production of gasoline of reduced standards is a temporary measure: "In a normal situation, we will have to produce only Euro-5, we call it class five with improved environmental characteristics. And we have enough capacity in Russia for this."

In the summer of this year, a seasonal spike in fuel consumption was superimposed on a series of unscheduled refinery repairs. Against this background, restrictions on the sale of fuel volumes at gas stations are being introduced in different regions.

The government and oil companies are taking measures to stabilize the situation: the loading of existing refineries has been increased to the maximum, the deadlines for ongoing repairs have been shortened and scheduled repairs have been postponed, and previously accumulated fuel reserves have been sent to the market. Since July, Russia has started importing petroleum products.

In addition, the total ban on gasoline exports has been extended until January 31, 2027. The ban on the export of diesel fuel for manufacturing companies has been extended until September 1, and for non-diesel fuel producers - until January 31, 2027. There is also a ban on the export of jet fuel from the country until November 30.