The government has authorized the production and import of Euro-2 gasoline into Russia, which has been banned for over 10 years

5 August 2026Euro-2 gasoline, which was banned in Russia in 2013 and contains 50 times more sulfur than modern fuel, will return to Russia. According to the Ministry of Energy’s press service, the production, import, and sale of K2, K3, and K4 grades of motor gasoline (which meet Euro-2, Euro-3, and Euro-4 standards) will be permitted in Russia until July 1, 2027. Unlike the current Euro-5 standard, which was introduced in Russia in 2016, Euro-2 gasoline allows 500 mg/kg sulfur instead of 10 mg/kg. Due to its high toxicity and cancer risks, it is banned in most countries, but was used in Russia until 2016. In early July, the government allowed several Russian refineries to produce and sell Euro-3 gasoline (with a sulfur content of 150 mg/kg) until the end of the year.