Kursk drivers can now buy gasoline only on days matching their license plate numbers. The governor says the new rule protects them from Ukrainian strikes.

Kursk, a Russian region bordering Ukraine, is implementing fuel rationing by license plate number. Meduza is reporting that drivers with even-numbered plates can refuel on even days; those with odd-numbered plates, on odd days. Governor Alexander Khinshtein says the measure cuts gas station lines and shields residents from Ukrainian strikes. Seven other Russian regions have already adopted similar rationing. The fuel crisis stems from Ukraine's targeting of Russian oil infrastructure throughout the conflict — all ten of Russia's largest refineries have been struck. July refining volumes have hit their lowest level since two thousand five, creating shortages that have prompted rationing across Russian territory.

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