Russian-held Luhansk imposes fuel purchase limits amid supply concerns

Authorities in the Russian-controlled Ukrainian region of Luhansk have imposed temporary limits on petrol and diesel purchases, days after similar restrictions were introduced in Russia-annexed Crimea.

Sales of AI-95 and AI-92 petrol grades, as well as diesel fuel, will be limited to a maximum of 20 litres per person, Russia’s state news agency TASS reported, citing local occupation authorities.

The restrictions were introduced because of current fuel inventories and increased demand in recent days, according to the authorities, who described the measures as temporary.

The move follows the introduction of limits on petrol sales over the weekend in Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula – which was illegally annexed by Russia in 2014.

Russia’s government has also banned exports of kerosene for the first time, with the measure set to remain in place until the end of November. The government said the decision was intended to ensure stability in the domestic fuel market.

Ukraine has for months targeted Russia’s oil industry as part of its counteroffensive in the war launched by Moscow more than four years ago. The strikes are aimed at disrupting fuel supplies to Russian forces and reducing energy revenues that help finance Russia’s war effort.