headtech July 5 Report: Reports state gas stations across most regions of Russia have seen long queues in recent days amid persistent tight supplies of gasoline and diesel, with fuel rationing introduced in most areas.
Retail gasoline prices in parts of Russia have surged to among the highest levels in Europe. Fuel rationing had already spread to major cities including Moscow and Saint Petersburg months ago.
The fuel shortage has unexpectedly boosted Russia’s new energy vehicle market, with Chinese brands emerging as the biggest beneficiaries.
Zabelin, founder of EN Cars, a dealer specializing in Chinese auto brands, told media that market demand has doubled since the fuel crisis escalated. Consumer interest has risen across both budget and premium vehicle lines.
A Moscow auto retailer added that monthly sales of Chinese electric vehicles have jumped from a handful of units to several cars sold each day.
Data from analytics firm Autostat and Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade shows roughly 24,600 new plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) were sold in Russia in the first five months of this year, marking a 125% year-on-year surge. New battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales rose 19% to 4,460 units.
PHEVs are seeing far faster growth than pure electric models, reflecting consumer preference for dual-fuel hybrid solutions amid inadequate public charging infrastructure.
Udalov, head of Autostat, noted sales accelerated further after fuel shortages deepened in June. Last week, 1,754 new PHEVs were registered — a nearly one-third increase from the prior week and roughly 50% higher than the weekly average so far this year.
Udalov also pointed out that overall sales volumes of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles remain low. Manufacturers and importers failed to prepare inventory ahead of the gasoline crisis, resulting in stock shortages.
For reference, new energy vehicles accounted for only 4.3% of Russia’s total auto sales last year. The country’s vast territory, frigid climate and limited charging network have long held back market expansion. However, he forecasts substantial sales growth in the near term if the fuel crisis persists.
