How to refuel now in the Nizhny Novgorod region: answers to the main questions

      Starting July 9, new fuel dispensing rules are in effect at some network gas stations in the Nizhny Novgorod region. Vehicles are refueled according to an "even-odd" system, and the volume of gasoline that can be purchased at one time is limited. Motorists still have many questions. Can they refuel multiple times a day, who is exempt from the new rule, how are taxis and corporate transport serviced, and who can go to the pump without waiting in line? Answers were provided by the regional government.

      How does the "even-odd" system work?

      On even dates, vehicles with license plates starting with the digits 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8 can refuel. On odd days, cars with a first digit of 1, 3, 5, 7, or 9 are serviced. For example, a vehicle with a number starting with 9 can refuel on July 9, 11, 13, and other odd dates. If the first digit of the number is 4, refueling is available on July 10, 12, 14, and other even days.

      At which gas stations does the new order apply?

      Currently, the system includes gas stations from three networks: "Lukoil," "Gazpromneft," and "Tatneft." The question of including other gas stations, including those under the Teboil, OPTI, and OPTI 24 brands, is planned to be considered in the future. The order for servicing on even and odd days does not apply to gas stations located on the federal highway M-12.

      Who is exempt from the "even-odd" rule?

      The restrictions based on the first digit of the license plate do not apply to transit vehicles and essential services transport. This category includes vehicles of law enforcement agencies, ambulances, and fire trucks, municipal equipment, transport of defense industry enterprises, companies delivering food and essential goods, as well as vehicles involved in the removal of solid municipal waste.

      How are taxis and corporate transport refueled?

      Vehicles of organizations using fuel vouchers are serviced regardless of the date. Typically, taxi fleets, transport companies, and organizations with their own fleet have contracts with network fuel suppliers. A separate limit is provided for servicing fuel cards of essential services at gas stations. This fuel is not available for free sale and does not affect the number of private vehicles that can refuel. Therefore, it is possible for municipal equipment, road and emergency service vehicles, as well as transport of companies using fuel cards, to continue refueling at a gas station closed to regular motorists. However, the driver who works part-time in a taxi and pays for gasoline with a bank card or cash is subject to the general rule of even and odd days.

      What limits apply at gas stations?

      The volume of fuel that can be purchased at one time depends on the network. At "Lukoil" gas stations, no more than 40 liters of AI-92, AI-95, or AI-100 gasoline can be dispensed to one vehicle. Gasoline is not poured into canisters at these stations. At "Gazpromneft" stations, no more than 30 liters of fuel can be purchased for a vehicle and up to 30 liters in canisters. "Tatneft" also dispenses no more than 30 liters to a car, while up to 20 liters can be filled in a canister. For diesel fuel, the limit is set at 60 liters in urban areas and 200 liters on the highway.

      Can you refuel multiple times a day?

      Yes. A repeat visit of the same vehicle to the gas station is allowed. However, if there is a queue at the gas station, the driver will have to take their place again and wait for service. At the same time, no more than the established network limit can be purchased in one refueling: the restrictions are controlled by the gas station's software.

      Why do volunteers work at gas stations?

      Volunteers help drivers understand the new order, inform motorists in line, and assist gas station staff in regulating vehicle flows if necessary. Additionally, they participate in filling out an interactive map, marking the availability of fuel and queues. In Nizhny Novgorod, employees from the city and district administrations, subordinate institutions, as well as searchers and students have been involved in this work. Law enforcement representatives assist gas station staff. Their task is to monitor compliance with order and prevent conflict situations.

      Can volunteers direct vehicles?

      Volunteers participate in redistributing traffic flows and explain the servicing rules based on license plates to drivers. Motorists are also warned that if their number does not match the established rule for a specific date, the driver may be denied service upon approaching the pump.

      Who can go to the pump without waiting in line?

      The right to priority service is retained for disabled individuals of groups I and II, as well as for drivers transporting disabled children. If necessary, they need to inform gas station staff or volunteers of their right and present supporting documents.

      It was previously reported that fuel dispensing by QR codes may begin in the Nizhny Novgorod region. The project is still in the development stage, and a pilot is planned to be launched in one of the districts where there are "Lukoil" gas stations. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.