Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin signed a decree on Aug. 5 authorizing the production, import, and sale of K2, K3, and K4 class motor gasolines meeting Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 standards until July 1, 2027.
The Russian Ministry of Energy stated that the temporary measure aims to secure domestic fuel supplies and prevent potential shortages. Russia had completely banned the sale of Euro-2 standard fuels in 2013.
Low-standard fuels keep sulfur, benzene, hydrocarbons, and additive limits relaxed compared to current Euro-5 and Euro-6 criteria. The Euro-2 standard allows up to 500 milligrams of sulfur per kilogram, whereas the Euro-5 limit is 10 milligrams per kilogram. The new rules also allow fuels to contain up to 3 percent methanol, while revoking a previous measure that permitted sales of high-sulfur K5 class gasoline through the end of 2026.
Refinery strikes and import surges
The policy shift follows a sharp drop in fuel production caused by Ukrainian drone attacks that forced many Russian oil refineries to shut down operations or undergo maintenance. By early July, gasoline production fell to about 65 percent of seasonal average domestic demand, while diesel production barely met national needs. The Russian administration previously restricted fuel sales in certain regions and banned gasoline and diesel exports.
To cover the growing deficit, Russia accelerated fuel purchases from foreign suppliers, with gasoline and diesel deliveries from Belarus reaching a record level in July 2026. In the first seven months of 2026, gasoline imports from Belarus to Russia increased 25-fold year on year to approximately 665,000 tons, while diesel imports grew sevenfold to 418,000 tons. Russia also sought additional fuel imports from India, Kazakhstan, and Morocco.
Vehicle damage risks
Russian officials stated that allowing lower environmental standards gives refineries technical flexibility to process naphtha without advanced refining and use capacity unable to yield high-standard fuel. However, experts warned that Euro-2 fuels may harm modern automobiles, as high sulfur and pollutant levels damage new-generation engines and emission control systems.
Catalytic converters and Lambda oxygen sensors in modern vehicles cannot withstand sulfur levels above 10 parts per million, which can lead to clogging and component failure. Experts added that high sulfur combines with water vapor in the combustion chamber to form sulfuric acid derivatives, shortening the lifespan of cylinders and piston rings.
