Russia extends ban on petrol and diesel exports until February 2026
The Russian government has extended the ban on exports of motor gasoline and other petroleum products until February 2026. The new restrictions will apply to all exporters and, in the case of gasoline, producers, Interfax news agency reports.
For exports of diesel fuel, marine fuel and gasoil, the exemption will apply to direct producers. Moscow has already introduced such restrictions in 2023 to stabilise the domestic market, which faced fluctuations in the summer months due to higher demand.
According to Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak at the time, the situation was managed by manual regulation, increased production and temporary imports from Belarus. Today, he describes the state of the market as balanced and calm, with fuel stocks exceeding the previous year's level.
The new regulations will enter into force the day after their official publication. From the Kremlin's point of view, this is a precautionary measure to maintain stability in a sector that remains strategically important for the domestic economy.
(mja)