Russia has introduced restrictions on the online resale of petrol and diesel, as authorities move to curb speculative trading on major digital marketplaces amid rising fuel prices and reported supply disruptions.
The Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) said it is working with platforms including Avito, Ozon and Wildberries to prevent what it described as speculative resale of fuel, as listings for petrol have surged in recent weeks, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.
According to the regulator, Avito has temporarily hidden fuel-related advertisements while it revises its rules, while Ozon and Wildberries have fully prohibited fuel sales, with automated moderation systems blocking attempts to post such listings before they appear publicly.
The move follows a sharp increase in online activity around fuel trading. Avito previously showed around 740 petrol-related listings, more than 400 of which were posted by private individuals, according to data cited by Russian media.
The FAS said that while fuel sales are not formally prohibited under law and may still be conducted through appropriate channels, the rise in informal online resale during periods of disruption had prompted regulatory intervention.
Fuel prices in the Moscow region have also risen sharply in mid-June. Between 15 and 19 June, the average price of petrol increased significantly, according to data from OMT-Consult cited by Kommersant.
AI-95 in Moscow rose by 1.76 roubles per litre to 75.33 roubles (about $0.023). AI-92 increased by 2.07 roubles to 67.95 roubles per litre, (roughly $0.027 per litre).
In the Moscow region, average fuel prices across key grades rose by nearly 2.8 roubles per litre, (about $0.036 per litre).
Analysts say the increases mark the sharpest weekly rise since March, with supply pressures and logistics disruptions contributing to volatility.
The most severe shortages were reported in Crimea, where fuel sales to civilians and businesses have been temporarily halted following reported strikes on oil infrastructure.
Authorities have not indicated how long the restrictions on online fuel listings will remain in place.
By Aghakazim Guliyev
