According to a decision by the Cabinet of Ministers, as of September 1, the ban will no longer apply to diesel and marine fuel, as well as gas oils exported by direct producers. Exceptions are also provided for shipments under intergovernmental agreements and fuel exports for humanitarian purposes, subject to separate government decisions.
According to RBC, the new restrictions continue the authorities’ policy of curbing the export of petroleum products amid challenges in supplying the domestic market. Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak stated that the ban on gasoline exports by producers and traders would be extended until the end of 2026.
In the spring, fuel supply disruptions were reported in a number of Russian regions. At the time, the Kremlin stated that federal and regional authorities were addressing the situation. According to RBC estimates, in June and July, full or partial restrictions on fuel sales were in effect in approximately 80 regions of the country; however, by mid-July, regional authorities began reporting an increase in supplies and a gradual normalization of the situation.
It should be noted that in early July, President Vladimir Putin signed a law providing for additional measures to ensure the domestic market’s supply of gasoline and diesel fuel. In particular, the law permits the use of straight-run gasoline in the production of high-octane automotive fuel. Later, on July 22, Putin described the difficulties in the fuel market as temporary.
