An expert named the reason for the deterioration of gasoline quality at Russian gas stations.

      17 October 2025 16:18 Economy

      Cases of poor-quality gasoline have become more frequent in Russia, caused by actions of the sellers themselves at gas stations, the head of the Russian Union of Auto Service Centers, Yuri Valko, told the National News Service.

      According to him, gas station employees resort to diluting fuel, which negatively affects its quality. Valko links this to economic difficulties and restrictions on raising prices, which force suppliers to look for ways to reduce production costs.

      The situation has already led to serious consequences. According to the Baza publication, several dozen 2025 model-year Geely cars broke down in Russia. The vehicles experienced engine malfunctions, and some drivers even lost control while driving. Geely Motors said that Chinese cars are not adapted to the characteristics of Russian fuel, in particular to the level of oxidants.

      Yuri Valko believes there is a direct link between the deterioration of gasoline quality and the breakdowns. He noted that amid fuel shortages in some regions, producers began artificially raising the octane rating using various additives. This already happened in Russia in the late 2000s and early 2010s, when after refueling many cars immediately ended up in service centers.

      The expert believes the problem can only be solved by strengthening control over gasoline quality by supervisory authorities. Only a systematic approach to fuel inspection, he says, can stop the spread of substandard products on the market.

      Earlier it was reported that since the beginning of the year gasoline in the Nizhny Novgorod Region has become almost 9% more expensive.

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