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Russia considers alleviating gasoline ecological requirements, sources state

Russia's government is looking at the possibility of introducing some easing of strenuous fuel environmental standards in order to permit the use of lowquality gas in the face of possible fuel shortages, 3 market sources told .

According to sources' estimations, it could generate additional 10%, or between 300,000 metric heaps and 350,000 loads a month, of gas to the domestic market, enough to fulfill increasing seasonal demand.

Ukrainian drone attacks have actually decreased Russian main oil refining capability by some 14% since the end of March according to estimations. Russia states the drone attacks total up to terrorism.

Ukraine states its drone attacks on Russia are warranted since it is fighting for survival and has actually suffered damage to its facilities from Russian air campaign.

To deal with possible fuel shortages, Russia introduced export restriction for this kind of fuel with some exceptions.

Sources stated that the Russian federal government is thinking about decreasing the bar for the material of some ingredients and ethanol. Sulphur content is anticipated to remain unchanged.

Since 2016, Russia has actually permitted just the use of high-quality fuel of a minimum of Euro-5 grade.

The energy ministry is thinking about as a backup procedure to lower the bar (of ecological requirements) in order to offer the basis for extra fuel output, a source said on condition of anonymity as he was not authorised to talk to the media.

The energy ministry did not respond to a request for remark.

The relocate to loosen up environmental oversight would be an action back from the plans to enhance fuel quality and its eco-friendly requirements, revealed in 2011, when Russian oil firms and the government settled on strategies to improve nation's refineries, which were mainly built in the 1940s and 1970s.

Considering that 2000, refinery output in Russia has grown by around 2 thirds, reaching 275 million lots last year.

A market source said the procedure would help boost gasoline production at outdated refining facilities.

Orsk refinery, which has stopped output due to powerful floods, and Angarsk plant in eastern Siberia, represent the bulk of low-grade fuel production in Russia.

In 2023, total gas output in the nation reached almost 44 million lots. In the very first quarter 2024 it stood at 11.1 million.

(source: Reuters)