Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that Russia's ban on gasoline exports will be extended through the end of 2026, covering both fuel producers and non-producing companies. Novak's remarks were reported by the Interfax news agency.
The ban on diesel exports, by contrast, is expected to be lifted "as the market recovers," Novak said, explaining that the measure is needed to prevent refineries from facing a surplus of products and a decline in processing volumes.
The government introduced restrictions on petroleum product exports in stages: a ban on aviation kerosene exports took effect April 1, gasoline on June 1, and diesel on July 8. The diesel export ban was originally set to last until July 31, 2026.
Russia's fuel crisis, according to sources cited by the original report, was triggered by Ukrainian strikes on oil refineries and other petroleum infrastructure. According to Reuters calculations, Russia lost about 40% of its refinery capacity as a result of drone attacks. Due to gasoline shortages and queues at gas stations in the vast majority of Russian regions, as well as in annexed Crimea and occupied areas of Ukraine, restrictions on free fuel sales were introduced: according to RBC, full or partial restrictions were in effect in 80 regions. In the second week of July, daily gasoline production fell to 75,000–80,000 tonnes, compared with a summer peak demand of 115,000–120,000 tonnes.