Russia's Altai Republic introduces daily fuel rationing measures

Russia's Altai Republic will introduce new restrictions on gasoline and diesel sales starting July 9, limiting motorists to refuelling their vehicles only once per day, regional head Andrey Turchak has announced.

He said gasoline and diesel fuel at filling stations will now be sold only upon presentation of a vehicle registration certificate, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“Operators will enter the vehicle's registration number into the system, making repeat refuelling beyond the established limits within 24 hours impossible," Turchak noted.

In the Choya, Turochak, Gorno-Altaysk, Mayma and Chemal districts, daily limits have been reduced to 30 litres of gasoline and 50 litres of diesel per vehicle.

In the republic's remaining districts, the previous limits will remain in place at 50 litres of gasoline and 100 litres of diesel per day.

Fuel sales in canisters of up to 10 litres will still be permitted, but only upon presentation of the required documents.

Regional authorities also plan to launch an interactive map showing fuel availability at each filling station and the expected time of the next delivery.

Turchak announced additional measures to reduce official travel, stating that all business trips outside districts and the region using government vehicles would be prohibited, while meetings would be held via videoconference whenever possible.

Emergency services, law enforcement agencies, utility providers and agricultural enterprises will continue to receive fuel without restrictions on a priority basis and upon request.

"It is important that filling station employees act honestly and that residents exercise public oversight so that everyone is treated equally," Turchak added.

According to the regional leader, the republic has secured sufficient reserve fuel supplies and deliveries to filling stations continue on a daily basis.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov