Russia Limits Fuel Uplift for Foreign Airlines at Multiple Airports

Russia’s aviation authority, Rosaviatsia, has imposed new restrictions on how much jet fuel foreign carriers can take on board at several airports. The move, effective immediately, targets a growing practice among international airlines of over-fueling in Russia to save money on global fuel costs.

Under the new guidelines, foreign aircraft must get approval from the local fuel supplier before refueling, and the amount loaded cannot exceed what is strictly needed for the flight. The restrictions apply to airports in Mineralnye Vody, Makhachkala, Nizhny Novgorod, and several other cities.

Rosaviatsia told RIA Novosti that foreign airlines had been filling up far beyond operational requirements, particularly after making unscheduled landings at alternate airports. This extra demand was straining fuel logistics and supply planning for Russian airports.

Industry sources point to broader global pressures. The conflict in the Middle East has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for oil and liquefied natural gas. As a result, jet fuel prices have surged worldwide, and some countries face shortages. Russia itself banned the export of aviation kerosene through November 30, including fuel purchased on exchanges, to safeguard domestic supplies.

For foreign airlines, the new limits mean they can no longer treat Russian airports as cheap refueling stops. The policy is designed to ensure that Russia’s own aviation fuel reserves are not drained by carriers looking to top up for future legs of their journeys.