AI-92 gasoline is not available in the “LDPR” and temporarily occupied Crimea: reasons for the shortage
1 September 2025 16:50
In Ukraine, AI-92 gasoline is gradually disappearing from gas stations, not because of a shortage, but because of low demand. As energy expert Gennadiy Ryabtsev explained in a commentary to [Komersant], Ukrainian consumers have long since switched to A95 Euro-5 gasoline.
“92 is for cars that were produced 30 years ago. In Ukraine, it has become a kind of dinosaur that is gradually disappearing from gas stations, which are replacing the corresponding columns with electric chargers for electric vehicles,” Ryabtsev said.
In ordinary Ukrainian cities, AI-92 is still available at some gas stations, but due to lack of demand, it is often taken off the market.
In contrast, in the Russian Federation, AI-92 gasoline remains the main gasoline due to the older vehicle fleet and the predominance of domestically produced vehicles. This is why the shortage of this brand is particularly noticeable for motorists.
The situation in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine – in the LDNR and the temporarily occupied Crimea – is critical. There is virtually no AI-92 gasoline there.
Ryabtsev explained this by a number of factors: logistical problems after drone attacks on Russian refineries, high demand from the Russian Armed Forces and the agricultural sector. As a result, AI-92 is supplied to gas stations in the occupied territories and some regions of the Russian Federation only on a residual basis.
Thus, the shortage of AI-92 in the LDNR and the temporarily occupied Crimea is caused by a combination of technical problems in supply and increased demand from the Russian army and industry, while in Ukraine its absence is more related to changes in consumer priorities.
As a reminder, residents of the temporarily occupied Luhansk region complain about the lack of gasoline at gas stations. According to local residents in chat rooms, the fuel has disappeared in Siverskodonetsk, Starobilsk, Aidar and neighboring villages.
People say that there is no gasoline at all in the villages around Sieverskodonetsk, and that there is limited fuel in the city itself. In Milove, they have set limits on sales – no more than 10 liters per person.
Nevertheless, the occupation administration assures that there is enough fuel on the territory of the “LPR” and calls reports of its shortage “fake news.” At the same time, the group admits that some gas stations may not have gasoline, allegedly due to “temporary logistical problems.”
The situation is exacerbated by the fact that fuel shortages are also being reported in Russia itself. In a number of regions, particularly in the Far East and Transbaikalia, drivers stand in kilometer-long lines at gas stations for hours. In some places, gasoline is sold with coupons.
The shortage and poor quality of fuel outrages residents not only in Luhansk but also in other occupied cities. In Berdiansk, Tokmak and Prymorsk, drivers also report disruptions. Some are forced to go to Rostov region of the Russian Federation to buy gasoline, where prices have already risen significantly.
