The head of Russia’s Ministry of Energy, Nikolai Shulginov, mentioned that the government does not back the ministry’s plan to permit the sale of alcoholic beverages at gas stations. This stance was reported by Izvestia and reflects the current direction within the cabinet, according to officials familiar with the discussions.
Towards the end of last year, Shulginov recalled that reintroducing beer sales at gas stations, a practice halted in 2011, could have supported the profitability of the petrol retail network. He noted that the idea was not merely to offer a new product but to create greater efficiency for independent service stations and potentially reduce operating costs linked to fuel distribution. The minister estimated a possible saving of roughly 0.3 rubles per liter, suggesting a tangible economic impact if such a policy were adopted and properly implemented.
In a previous briefing, an official from the Ministry indicated that the Cabinet had not yet formed a clear position on the proposal, making any timetable uncertain. The comments underscored that the concept was being weighed within a broader set of economic considerations rather than pursued as a quick, stand-alone change. The discussion points touched on pricing dynamics, consumer behavior, and the regulatory framework necessary to integrate alcohol sales into gas station retail without compromising safety or public health standards.
Meanwhile, attention within the economic policymaking community has also turned to the electricity sector. Early reports indicated that the Ministry of Economy had proposed setting limits on electricity usage for cryptocurrency mining operations. The exact parameters for these light-related constraints had not been finalized at the time of the briefing, suggesting that the issue would require additional analysis and cross-ministerial coordination to establish enforceable rules that balance industrial activity with grid stability and consumer needs.
There was also discussion about allowing mining activities in regions where electricity production routinely exceeds local demand and where the grid has spare capacity. Such a stance would aim to align energy-intensive crypto mining with areas that can accommodate extra load without disrupting supply to households and essential services. Observers noted that this approach could attract investment and technological development to certain regions, while others would continue to pursue more conservative energy policies designed to safeguard grid reliability and pricing structures for residents and businesses alike.
In sum, the current discourse reflects a broader pattern in which energy policy, retail regulation, and digital economy issues intersect in Russia. The government appears cautious about expanding non-traditional retail formats at fuel hubs while also considering how energy markets should adapt to new uses and demands. The brewing debates around alcohol sales at gas stations and crypto mining regulations suggest that policymakers are weighing potential economic benefits against public safety, consumer protection, and system-wide energy stability. As ministries continue consultations, any concrete steps will likely emerge only after comprehensive assessment, stakeholder input, and alignment with overarching economic objectives that prioritize steady growth, predictable regulation, and transparent governance.
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