Russia's parliament approved a package of tax code changes on Wednesday that officials say are intended to relieve shortages of motor fuel that have hit multiple regions in recent weeks following Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries.
The amendments, published on the parliament's website, include provisions to support imports by introducing subsidies on fuel shipments calculated using Indian delivery costs and prices. Lawmakers also cleared measures that permit the use of lower-quality fuel in blending straight-run gasoline with other components, widening the permissible inputs for gasoline production.
Shortages of gasoline and diesel have been reported across Russian regions, producing higher pump prices and long queues at filling stations. The revised tax rules are part of a broader response by authorities aimed at boosting both domestic output and imported volumes of motor fuel.
Deputy Finance Minister Alexei Sazanov addressed lawmakers on the intent behind the legislation, saying: "This is a very important law. It is aimed at stabilising the situation on the domestic market and increasing the supply of motor fuel, both through domestic production and imports," and added, "Ultimately, saturating the market with motor fuel will lead to price stability."
Alongside the blending and import-subsidy measures, the amendments allow certain refinery equipment upgrades to be postponed while preserving some existing tax benefits for the sector. The law therefore offers regulatory flexibility intended to maintain fuel flows without immediately forcing capital-intensive investments.
Separately, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Tuesday that the government has considered imposing a ban on diesel exports. Russia has already enacted bans on exports of gasoline and jet fuel, tightening external flows as domestic supply concerns mount.
The parliamentary changes reflect a multi-pronged approach: expanding allowable inputs for fuel production, subsidising imports linked to specific delivery benchmarks, and easing near-term regulatory burdens on refiners. Officials frame the package as a way to increase supply and stabilize prices, though trade and domestic distribution remain central operational questions for implementation.
Sectors impacted: domestic fuel retail, refining, fuel import logistics, and downstream transport services.