Russia extends zero import duty on fuel and additives to ease gasoline shortages

Duty exemption widened to gasoline additives

The Council of the Eurasian Economic Commission has extended zero import duties on gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and marine fuel until mid-2027, Izvestia reported. The exemption now also covers additives for automotive gasoline, which otherwise faced a 5% tariff. The measures are intended to expand supply after fuel disruptions and restrictions on sales in some Russian regions.

Russia is also considering discounted rail freight rates for suppliers of imported petroleum products. The authorities want to improve the economics of bringing in both finished fuel and components that can be blended with domestic refinery streams. Importing a relatively small quantity of an octane-enhancing additive can sometimes yield a much larger volume of marketable gasoline at a refinery or storage terminal, reducing the amount of finished fuel that must travel over long distances.

Temporary return of monomethylaniline

Refineries and oil storage terminals have temporarily been allowed to use monomethylaniline, or MMA, because supplies of high-octane components are constrained. A small proportion of MMA raises the octane rating of a blend, allowing producers to obtain more AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline from the available feedstock. Estimates cited by Izvestia indicate that its use could add about 50,000 tonnes of high-octane gasoline per month.

The government has authorized Russian refineries and terminals to produce gasoline with temporarily modified specifications through December 31, 2026. The fuel may contain up to 1% MMA and up to 42% aromatic hydrocarbons, while sulfur content may reach 150 milligrams per kilogram. Gasoline made under these rules may be sold only in Russia.

MMA had been prohibited in Russia from 2016 until autumn 2025. Its removal was connected with the adoption of K5 environmental requirements, aligned with the European Euro 5 standard, as well as concerns about emissions, workplace exposure and possible engine damage. Izvestia noted that MMA may worsen exhaust characteristics, including nitrogen oxide emissions. A European regulatory assessment by Poland’s Bureau for Chemical Substances also identified potential carcinogenic and mutagenic risks. Industrial blending therefore requires laboratory control, and the additive is not intended to be poured directly into vehicle tanks.

Refineries adjust gasoline recipes

A typical gasoline formulation can contain about 30% catalytic-cracking fractions, roughly 20% reformate and approximately 20% each of alkylate and isomerate, although the mix varies by refinery and grade. Reformate and alkylate provide high resistance to engine knock. When their production declines, refiners must alter their formulations or source alternative components.

One option is to use more naphtha, a direct-distillation product that has historically been in surplus in Russia. Untreated naphtha has a relatively low octane rating and high sulfur content, limiting its share in finished gasoline. Octane enhancers such as MMA can allow more naphtha to enter the blend and reduce requirements for reformate, alkylate and catalytic-cracking gasoline.

Russia’s import exposure also differs across refinery inputs. Alexander Frolov, deputy director general of the Institute of National Energy, told Izvestia that high-octane components are generally produced at Russian refineries or other domestic facilities. Catalyst import dependence, however, is estimated at 20% to 30%, depending on the process. Russian producers can fully meet domestic demand for catalytic-cracking catalysts, while substitution in hydroprocessing remains more difficult. Zero duties and potential rail discounts offer a rapid response to the immediate shortage, but the temporary specifications also place greater responsibility on refineries to control fuel quality, emissions and handling risks.