Fuel surge: ban on gasoline exports may be extended until October 1
The ban on the export of petroleum products, increased production and fuel imports helped to even out the situation on the Russian market, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said. He also instructed the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Antimonopoly Service to report on the stabilization of fuel prices. Experts interviewed by Izvestia believe that restrictions on gasoline exports may be extended until October 1, and the ban on diesel exports may be partially maintained. What the decision of the authorities will depend on is in the Izvestia article.
How long can the export ban be extended
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said at a meeting on July 21 that the situation in the domestic fuel market was stabilizing, and restrictions were beginning to be lifted in the regions. Earlier, Izvestia reported an improvement in the fuel availability situation and a reduction in queues at gas stations in 13 regions of the Russian Federation. Then it was confirmed by the Ministry of Energy.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the ban on the export of petroleum products and the saturation of the domestic market at the expense of imports helped to level the situation.
The ban on the export of gasoline, diesel, marine fuel and gas oil from the Russian Federation for all market participants is valid until the end of July. An exception is made for shipments under intergovernmental agreements, including to the EAEU countries, as well as for shipments issued before the restrictions came into force. In addition, the export of jet fuel is limited until November 30. Initially, the ban on the export of diesel extended only to non-manufacturing companies. However, since July 8, the government has expanded it to all market participants. The ban on the export of gasoline for all exporters was introduced on April 1.
Dmitry Gusev, Deputy Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Reliable Partner Association, expects that the ban on gasoline exports will be extended until October 1, until the end of the high—demand season. According to him, restrictions on the export of diesel fuel can also be maintained — until September 1 or October 1.
He noted that export restrictions cannot be called the most effective measure, as they cause oil companies to lose export revenue and violate the terms of long-term contracts. However, now, against the background of an unstable situation and consumer concern, supplies to the domestic market of the Russian Federation are a priority.
Alexey Belogoryev, Director of Research and Development at the Institute of Energy and Finance, also believes that there are no grounds for lifting the ban on the export of gasoline and aviation kerosene yet. According to him, the current production volumes and commercial reserves of petroleum products remain insufficient. At the same time, it allows for a cautious partial resumption of diesel fuel exports. The decision is likely to be made at the end of July after assessing the situation on the domestic market.
A lot will depend on how many refining capacities will return to service after repairs are completed, whether new unscheduled shutdowns will occur, as well as on the volume of commercial reserves at oil depots, Alexey Belogoryev believes. Not only the total amount of fuel is important, but also its distribution by region, as logistical problems persist.
Izvestia sent inquiries to the Ministry of Energy and Alexander Novak's office.
What other solutions have shown effectiveness in stabilizing the market
The increase in production volumes and the postponement of refinery repairs also contributed to the improvement of the situation, Alexander Novak noted. In a July report on the regional economy, the Bank of Russia reported that planned repairs of a number of refineries in Siberia have been postponed to autumn 2026 to ensure sufficient fuel supply in the summer. In addition, in May-June, enterprises increased their processing volumes.
At the same time, the problem of rising gasoline prices remains relevant. The Deputy Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Energy and the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) to report on measures to stabilize prices at independent gas stations. Izvestia sent inquiries to both departments.
The FAS informed the editorial board that they monitor prices daily both at the gas stations of oil companies and at independent operators. Together with the territorial administrations, the service requested information on gasoline and diesel pricing from independent gas stations in the Moscow Region and other regions. In addition, the agency checks the cost formation of small wholesale suppliers who supply fuel to independent gas stations and agricultural producers.
At the same time, the FAS has strengthened antimonopoly control. According to the service, 15 cases have already been initiated against oil companies and independent market participants, and 38 warnings have been issued on signs of violation of antimonopoly legislation. Only in June, the agency filed cases against three traders, whose actions revealed signs of cartel collusion at the auction.
According to Alexander Novak, in July, Russia began importing petroleum products to stabilize the domestic market. To make such supplies more economically profitable, on July 21, the State Duma adopted in the second and third readings a law on the introduction of an imported damper for diesel by analogy with the existing mechanism for gasoline. It will be applied only during the period of the export ban. Payments on the damper are provided for fuel sold domestically from July 2026 to June 2027.
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