Russia considers fuel priority for grocery delivery vehicles amid shortage

Russia's government is weighing a measure to give priority fuel access to vehicles supplying major grocery chains, as the country grapples with a widespread fuel shortage. The proposal emerged from discussions within a working group tasked with managing the crisis, which has been exacerbated by Ukrainian drone attacks on energy infrastructure and refineries.

Vice Premier Alexander Novak stated that the priority is intended to guarantee the steady supply of goods to stores, prevent food spoilage, and ultimately shield consumers from additional costs. "We discussed the necessity of giving priority to fuel supply for vehicles delivering food products to major commercial chains," Novak said. "This is important both for preventing food spoilage and for avoiding additional costs that could be reflected in consumer prices."

Typically, authorities use special fuel cards for priority access. The working group also examined measures to secure diesel supplies for the agricultural sector. Industry sources and Reuters calculations indicate that Russian gasoline production has fallen to about 65% of usual seasonal consumption following the Ukrainian attacks, which forced several large refineries to halt operations. The Central Bank of Russia has warned that the reduced fuel output will negatively impact the country's economic growth in the second quarter of 2026.

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We discussed the necessity of giving priority to fuel supply for vehicles delivering food products to major commercial chains. This is important both for preventing food spoilage and for avoiding additional costs that could be reflected in consumer prices.