Fuel Supply Normalized: Government Lifts Restrictions on Benzın and Mazot

The central government has officially withdrawn the benzın and mazot sales restrictions it implemented earlier this month to prevent hoarding and black market activities during the supply chain disruptions triggered by the West Asia crisis. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, it was noted that the domestic fuel supply situation has improved significantly and the restrictions are no longer necessary. It was announced that these temporary regulatory measures would be lifted starting from 1 Temmuz. The government was reported to have taken swift and decisive steps to protect ordinary consumers despite fluctuations in the global energy markets. This decision is considered a concrete indicator that fuel supply in the country has fully returned to normal and logistical processes have stabilized.

The Ministry emphasized that during the period of supply disruptions caused by the West Asia crisis, the government consistently stabilized retail benzın and mazot prices to protect domestic consumers from increases in international fuel prices. However, this determination led to a significant discrepancy between retail and wholesale fuel prices. Seeking to take advantage of this price difference, some industrial, commercial, and corporate consumers began directing their orders to be fulfilled at fuel stations, whereas they would normally purchase wholesale. This unexpected surge in demand caused severe imbalances and logistical challenges in fuel distribution. This situation hindered the fair distribution of fuel, paving the way for ordinary consumers to suffer.

In order to bring the current situation under control and ensure the public's uninterrupted access to fuel, the government introduced temporary but effective regulatory measures on 12 Haziran 2026. According to the decisions made, the daily purchase of High Speed Diesel (HSD) per vehicle or per customer at fuel stations was limited to 200 litres. Furthermore, industrial and commercial consumers were mandated to procure their fuels solely from designated consumer pumps rather than retail stations. Officials stated that these steps were of vital importance to prevent black marketeering, hoarding, and illegal diversions. Through these interventions, the government aimed to guarantee that ordinary citizens could continue their daily lives without experiencing fuel shortages.

Following a reassessment of the fuel supply situation across the country, the government concluded that the restrictions were no longer in the public interest. Following the withdrawal decision, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas officially confirmed that the order issued on 12 Haziran has been completely suspended as of 1 Temmuz. Assessments revealed that volatility in global crude oil prices has decreased and national logistical networks have fully stabilized. Government spokespersons stated that the temporary restrictions successfully fulfilled the objective of guaranteeing an adequate supply of benzın and mazot nationwide. It was announced that bulk-consuming institutions could now return to normal and regular supply channels, and stations would continue their free sales.

The lifting of these restrictions is a significant milestone demonstrating how quickly the country's fuel mechanism can recover during crises. Retail fuel stations will now continue to serve all customers without any limitations. The decision also showcases the government's successful implementation of a strategy involving targeted and time-bound interventions during externally induced and international crises, without permanently disrupting the market. Officials emphasized that introducing such temporary measures only during crises, without causing long-term distortions in the market, is of great importance for economic stability. Industry representatives and consumers anticipate that this normalization in the fuel market will also positively impact general economic activities and reduce uncertainties in logistical costs.