Russian govt bans gasoline exports by producers to end of July
MOSCOW. April 2 (Interfax) - The Russian government said that it has extended the ban on gasoline exports in effect to the end of July to producers of the fuel.
The corresponding resolution has been signed and takes effect on the day of its official publication.
"The decision was made to maintain a stable situation on the domestic fuel market during the period of high seasonal demand and agricultural field work, as well as in light of the growth of world oil prices owing to the geopolitical situation in the Middle East," the government said in a press release.
Until now, the export restrictions only applied to non-producers of gasoline. Only shipments under intergovernmental agreements are exempt from the restrictions, according to the press release.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak at a meeting of the Energy Ministry last week said that the country must take measures urgently to ensure domestic fuel supplies amid the global energy crisis. Following a meeting with oil companies, Novak then ordered the preparation of a draft resolution banning gasoline exports effective April 1.
"It is clear that there is a shortage of petroleum products on the global market today. Prices have risen significantly higher than oil prices. Everyone usually looks at oil prices, but prices for petroleum products are breaking all records. We see that refining is declining owing to the lack of oil. Many countries that rely on oil supplies and refine domestically have banned exports, including China," Novak said.
The ban on exporting gasoline and diesel is in effect only for non-producers until July 31, 2026, with oil companies permitted to export gasoline.
Russia exported 90,000 barrels per day of gasoline and 850,000 barrels per day of diesel in February 2026, when the ban on exporting petroleum products was lifted one month early, according to the International Energy Agency, versus 70,000 barrels per day and 1 million barrels per day in January, respectively.
Exchange prices for fuel in Russia have been rising since late February amid the escalating situation in the Middle East. However, Interfax's market sources emphasize that there is currently no increase in demand for petroleum products domestically. Farmers are postponing work owing to weather conditions and snow cover, and there is no increase in consumer purchases at filling stations.
Consequently, the sources conclude that the rapid rise in exchange prices reflects nervousness on global energy markets. The cost of petroleum products is rising globally, and Russian fuel exports are increasing. Meanwhile, the spring planting season in Russia begins soon, along with scheduled refinery maintenance, which should provide further incentives for gasoline and diesel prices to rise on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX).
