Russians are again buying up cars in Belarus. But they have to give up BMWs
They are buying cheap cars up to $3,500 for novice drivers and diesel cars — against the backdrop of gasoline shortages in Russia.
After several increases in the recycling fee in 2024-2025, importing cars into Russia from Belarus became unprofitable, but in the summer of 2026, Russians' interest in this channel revived, writes «Gazeta.Ru».
Demand is divided into two streams. They are buying cheap cars up to $3,500 for novice drivers and diesel cars — against the backdrop of gasoline shortages in Russia, as diesel fuel at gas stations ran out less frequently.
From December 1, 2025, new requirements for the preferential recycling fee rate are in effect: engine power not exceeding 160 hp and a full set of customs documents.
Because of this, instead of previously popular BMWs, they now buy Peugeot, Renault, Opel, and inexpensive crossovers like Chevrolet Trax and Buick Encore.
In Belarus, the selection of diesel cars is wider, and owners more often retain original customs documents, which simplifies legalization in Russia. Russian car pickers note: such cars are now bought up within a few days after the ad is published.
Another category of buyers are owners of fuel-hungry or fuel-quality-demanding foreign cars. Due to the appearance of «Euro-2» class fuel at Russian gas stations, people are switching to more unpretentious and economical cars.
There is no automatic benefit anymore — one needs to factor in the costs for a vehicle safety certificate (about $300) and car selection specialists' services with delivery (about $800). But in certain cases, the benefit is still significant: for example, a 2019 Chevrolet Trax with 30,000 km mileage was bought for $15,500, whereas in Russia, a similar car (already with rolled back mileage) was sold for $21,500.
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