The Russian government has extended its temporary ban on gasoline exports until 31 December 2025, while also introducing restrictions on other fuels, Reuters reported on Tuesday.
Ukrainian drone strikes on oil refineries have begun to erode one of Russia’s key export sectors, forcing Moscow to prioritize domestic supply and address fuel shortages that are spreading across the country.
The ban applies to all exporters, including producers, and now covers diesel, marine fuel, and other gasoils purchased on commodity exchanges. However, direct exports from producers of these fuels remain exempt.
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had signaled the measures last week, and the government said it “continues to work to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market.”
Analysts note the restrictions may not drastically affect diesel flows inside Russia, since non-producers already face steep export tariffs. Still, the strikes have knocked out parts of the country’s refining capacity, weakening its role as the world’s third-largest oil producer after the US and Saudi Arabia.
Fuel shortages are already spreading across Russia’s central and eastern regions, with record-high prices reported. Gasoline rationing has been introduced in Crimea, where motorists are limited to 30 liters per purchase, alongside a price freeze to contain public anger.
