The Russian government has extended a ban on gasoline exports through August 31. According to a statement published on the Cabinet of Ministers’ Telegram channel, the decree has already been signed.
The restrictions do not apply to shipments made directly by fuel producers.
The government said the measure was intended to “maintain stability in the domestic fuel market, support the oil refining industry, and curb gray exports of gasoline.”
A similar ban was introduced in February 2024 and was initially set to run from March 1 to August 31. However, the restrictions were lifted early in May after the domestic market stabilized and repairs were completed at oil refineries damaged by Ukrainian drone strikes. In September, the government reinstated the ban. The current restrictions are set to expire on February 28.
Ukrainian drones have repeatedly targeted oil refineries in Russia, forcing temporary shutdowns. In mid-February, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said domestic fuel production remained stable despite the attacks and subsequent repairs at several refineries.
Experts interviewed by Kommersant in February described the market as stable but cautioned that domestic fuel prices could rise as refineries undergo seasonal maintenance in the spring.