Fuel sales have been restricted at gas stations operated by the regional government-owned Sakhaneftegazsbyt network in Russia's Sakha (Yakutia) Republic.

Axar.az reports, citing Russian media, that the restrictions apply in the city of Yakutsk and the Neryungri, Aldan, Megino-Kangalassky, Namsky, Khangalassky, Lensky and Ust-Maysky districts.

Under the new rules, each vehicle is limited to purchasing up to 30 liters of gasoline or 200 liters of diesel fuel. The temporary sale of fuel in portable containers has also been suspended.

Yakutia's Minister for Civil Defense and Public Safety, Dmitry Lepchikov, said the measures were introduced after authorities recorded cases of large-scale fuel purchases in containers in several municipalities.

"The limits are intended to prevent speculation and the creation of an artificial fuel shortage," he said.

According to Russian authorities, fuel sales control measures have now been introduced in 40 regions across the country. On June 28, President Vladimir Putin held a meeting on fuel supplies to Russia's regions, calling for systemic measures to stabilize the fuel market.