Russia Extends Gasoline Export Ban

Russia extended restrictions on gasoline exports through the end of 2026 as the government works to stabilize domestic fuel supplies, while officials indicated that diesel export limits will be lifted once market conditions improve.

Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said on Saturday that the government’s decision to maintain gasoline export restrictions applies to both producers and non-producers, extending the current measures until the end of the year.

“The working group decided to extend the ban, both for producers and non-producers,” Novak said, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

Regarding diesel exports, Novak said the government intends to remove restrictions at the appropriate time to avoid creating excessive fuel surpluses that could force refineries to reduce production volumes.

Russia has faced a nationwide fuel supply challenge this summer, with several regions introducing limits on gasoline and diesel sales amid intensified Ukrainian attacks targeting Russian oil refineries.

In response, Moscow implemented a series of measures, including export restrictions aimed at ensuring sufficient domestic supplies. The current restrictions were scheduled to expire on July 31 before the latest extension decision.

Ukraine’s strikes on Russian energy infrastructure have contributed to disruptions at several refineries, reducing processing capacity and adding pressure to domestic fuel markets.

Reports earlier this week indicated that Moscow was considering extending the diesel export ban by another month as attacks on the country’s oil sector continued. Such a move could add further pressure to global fuel markets already facing supply uncertainties linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Russia remaining one of the world’s largest diesel exporters.

Despite ongoing challenges, Novak said Russia’s fuel situation is gradually improving, with several refineries returning to operation and conditions at fuel stations improving significantly.

“The situation at gas stations has improved considerably,” Novak said, adding that the government is still discussing additional fuel supplies for Siberia, where shortages remain more difficult to resolve.

He also said Russia could consider receiving additional fuel supplies from Kazakhstan, although available export surpluses from the neighboring country remain limited.