The change is provided for in the updated version of the technical regulations on fuel which the Energy Ministry has presented to the government.
According to a source close to the ministry, the draft government decision on changes to the technical regulations was agreed upon with all concerned authorities. The changes were originally projected to be postponed by a year.
The cabinet is likely to review the changes before the year-end, the source indicated, adding that the new regulations will come into effect starting next year. The changes are made at the request of oil companies and refineries.
Gazprom Neft, LUKoil and TNK-BP all insist that the transition to high-quality automobile fuel is impossible without additional economic incentives, and therefore find the timeframe for the transition stipulated by the government unrealistic.
Author:
Ksenia Kochneva
