Russia Extends Ban on Gasoline Exports for Four Months

The Russian government announced on Wednesday that it was extending the ban on gasoline exports for four months, with the aim of "maintaining a stable situation" for prices that have risen at gas stations in the country.

"The government has imposed restrictions on gasoline exports for the period from September 1 to December 31, 2024," the government said in a statement.

It added that it expects the measure to contribute to "maintaining a stable situation on the fuel market during a period of continued seasonal demand and scheduled maintenance (in the fall) at oil refineries."

The Russian government took a similar measure at the beginning of the year, which came into effect from March 1, before temporarily suspending it between May 20 and the end of July, in particular due to "saturation of the domestic market."

The government explained that the new ban does not specifically include "delivery shipments made within the framework of intergovernmental agreements, including agreements with the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union," which are Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Armenia.

Such a measure was taken in the fall of 2023 in response to rising prices at the pump, a phenomenon that weakens the purchasing power of Russians who have been affected by the weakening ruble due to sanctions.

In 2023, Russia produced 43.9 million tons of gasoline, according to official figures.

The expected financial gains from selling oil and gas are essential for Moscow at a time when its economy is focused on the war effort to support the military offensive in Ukraine.

However, in recent months, the Ukrainian military has bombed several Russian oil depots using explosive drones, depriving Moscow’s forces of significant resources.