Russian Light Aircraft Test Euro-3 Gasoline as Avgas Reserves Shrink to 1.5 Months
Updated
Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jun 22
Russian Light Aircraft Test Euro-3 Gasoline as Avgas Reserves Shrink to 1.5 Months
3 articles · Updated · UNITED24 Media · Jun 22
Summary
Russian light-aircraft operators have begun test flights on Euro-3 automobile gasoline, with some swapping out Rotax-912 engines for Chinese C100 analogues as aviation gasoline grows scarce and costly.
Kommersant reported avgas is now available at major airports only through partners in Ufa and Volgograd, forcing operators elsewhere to haul fuel themselves or rely on private flying clubs.
Association data show reserves in some regions may last just 1 to 1.5 months, even as about four more months of agricultural aviation work remain.
Tests have so far shown no engine-performance damage, but specialists warned unsuitable fuel can trigger detonation, cut thrust and foul exhaust systems faster.
The An-2 operators' association plans to ask the Transport Ministry by end-June to regulate aviation fuel prices; Russia's 2026 civil register lists 853 An-2 aircraft.