--- title: "Fuel Collapse: Lipetsk Region Reinstates 'Even-Odd' System Amid Drone Attacks" description: "⛽ The Lipetsk region is reinstating the 'even-odd' system at gas stations. Starting August 13, gasoline refueling will be limited to 30 liters, and access will depend on the vehicle number. The cause is drone strikes on refineries, which have halted 40% of capacity. Russia is importing gasoline from Belarus, but shortages persist. 🚨 #Lipetsk #Gasoline #Ukraine #Refineries" date: 2026-08-12T13:44:00.000Z lang: en url: https://xab.info/en/posts/lipetsk-fuel-collapse-even-odd-system-drone-attacks tags: [lipetsk, gasoline-shortage, ukraine-war, nps, russia-economy] publisher: "XAB.info" --- # Fuel Collapse: Lipetsk Region Reinstates 'Even-Odd' System Amid Drone Attacks ![Queue of cars at a gas station in Lipetsk region amid the introduction of 'even-odd' mode due to drone attacks and fuel shortage](https://xab.info/media/2026/08/12/lipetsk-gazoline-shortage-even-odd-system/lipetsk-gazoline-shortage-even-odd-system-1.webp) ## 🎯 Key Points - The 'even-odd' scheme is being introduced at gas stations in the Lipetsk region starting August 13. - A limit on gasoline refueling has been set at 30 liters per vehicle. - The reason for the restrictions is drone strikes that have halted 40% of Russian refinery capacity. - Russia is importing fuel from Belarus, but shortages persist. **August 12, 2026**: The situation regarding fuel supply in several regions of Central Russia has reached a critical point. The authorities of the Lipetsk region, one of the key oil refining zones, were forced to announce the introduction of emergency measures for gasoline distribution. Starting August 13, the 'even-odd' scheme will once again be in effect at gas stations in the region, aimed at relieving endless queues and preventing chaos at fuel stations. ### New refueling rules: limits and schedules The Governor of the Lipetsk region, Igor Artamonov, officially confirmed the introduction of a temporary regime in his Telegram channel. According to the new regulations, access to fuel will be strictly regulated based on the numbers of vehicle license plates. On August 13, only drivers whose plates start with odd numbers (1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be able to refuel. The following day, August 14, will be allocated for vehicles with even numbers (2, 4, 6, 8, 0). Authorities are also introducing a strict limit on the volume of fuel: no more than 30 liters of gasoline per vehicle. Notably, diesel fuel remains unrestricted for now, likely due to the need to maintain the operation of freight transport and special machinery. The Governor emphasized that restrictions apply to all vehicles, regardless of their region of registration. An exception has been made only for federal highways M-4, R-119, and A-133, where the 'even-odd' regime will not apply to avoid paralyzing transit traffic. ### Causes of the crisis: strikes on refineries and shortages The introduction of such radical measures is directly linked to the successful actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Over the last two months, drone strikes on oil refineries (ORs) have led to the shutdown of up to 40% of Russia's oil refining capacity. One-third of production capacity was left effectively without raw materials or the ability to process them, leading to a sharp drop in the volume of finished fuel on the market. Huge queues have already formed in the Yelets district of the Lipetsk region, where large plants are located. Despite statements by local authorities about stabilizing the situation, the reality at gas stations tells a different story: gasoline has become a scarce commodity, with prices on the black market reaching astronomic levels. Russians, accustomed to a planned economy, are once again facing the need to line up in serpentine queues to get a minimum fuel supply for a trip to work or to the doctor. ### Import attempts and 'grey' schemes Attempts by the Kremlin to compensate for losses in domestic production have not yet yielded the desired results. Russia has begun actively importing gasoline from Belarus, redirecting volumes that were previously intended for Central Asian countries. However, even record deliveries from the allied republic are unable to fully close the gap in logistics. Against the backdrop of total shortages and pressure on legal refineries, 'grey' refining schemes are gaining momentum in the country. Informal capacities are trying to get back online to supply the market with at least a minimum amount of fuel, but their efficiency and safety remain questionable. Experts note that the transition to shadow schemes could only exacerbate the situation in the long term, creating risks of technological accidents and environmental disasters. ### Political context and denial of problems Despite the obvious collapse of fuel logistics, the federal leadership continues to take a position of denial. Vladimir Putin has not publicly acknowledged the dire state of affairs, preferring to keep silent about the scale of destruction in the energy sector. Nevertheless, the restrictions introduced in the Lipetsk region are just the tip of the iceberg. Earlier, back in July, similar measures were taken in the Kursk region and other regions bordering the combat zone. The fuel situation in August 2026 demonstrates the vulnerability of the Russian economy to targeted strikes on critical infrastructure. The introduction of the 'even-odd' regime is not just an administrative measure, but a signal that the resource distribution system is on the verge of collapse. ## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification - [The 'even-odd' regime will be introduced again at gas stations in the Lipetsk region](https://nsn.fm/society/rezhim-chet-nechet-snova-budet-vvedut-na-azs-v-lipetskoi-oblasti) - Подтверждает введение режима и цитирует губернатора Артамонова. - ['Even-odd'. Russia is inventing new schemes for selling scarce gasoline](https://www.bbc.com/russian/articles/cg74kjrkr8xo) - Подтверждает контекст дефицита и схемы распределения. - [The Lipetsk region has returned to refueling under the 'even-odd' scheme](https://newdaynews.ru/automobile/878932.html) - Дублирует информацию о датах и правилах заправки. - [The 'even-odd' scheme was introduced at gas stations in the Kursk region](https://news.mail.ru/economics/71647272/) - Подтверждено по источнику news.mail.ru ## ❓ FAQ ### Q: From what date is the 'even-odd' regime introduced in the Lipetsk region? **A:** The regime comes into force on August 13, 2026. ### Q: How many liters of gasoline can be refueled? **A:** The maximum limit is 30 liters per vehicle. ### Q: Does the regime apply to highways? **A:** No, the 'even-odd' regime does not apply on highways M-4, R-119, and A-133.