Mass sale of private gas stations observed in Russia
At the beginning of 2026, experts recorded significant changes in the Russian fuel market. According to the latest data, there are about 27.7 thousand filling stations operating in the country, with the vast majority of them—19.8 thousand—being private facilities.
Recently, owners of small chains and independent gas stations have been increasingly putting their businesses up for sale. Analysts attribute this trend to changing economic conditions and stricter requirements for the operation of fuel companies. Many private station owners are facing difficulties in purchasing fuel and maintaining competitive prices.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak and relevant government agencies are closely monitoring the situation in the market. The state is interested in ensuring that the process of changing ownership does not lead to fuel shortages in the regions or unjustified price increases for end consumers.
Experts note that the market is gradually consolidating: large oil companies may acquire some of the private gas stations. This could lead to a change in the structure of gasoline and diesel retail in the coming years.
The situation remains under the control of the authorities, who plan to ensure that the stability of fuel supplies for motorists is maintained in all constituent entities of the Russian Federation.