Russia Implements Ban on Gasoline Exports Until End of July
On April 2, 2026, the Russian government announced a ban on gasoline exports for producers, effective until the end of July. This decision comes in response to rising fuel demand during the agricultural planting season and increasing global oil prices.
The government of the Russian Federation made a significant decision on April 2, 2026, by implementing a ban on gasoline exports for producers, which will last until the end of July. This move is crucial amid the growing demand for fuel during the agricultural planting season and the surge in global oil prices.
According to a report by the Reuters news agency, the export ban on gasoline was introduced to ensure a stable supply of fuel in the domestic market. The Russian government believes that these measures will help prevent fuel shortages during a period of high seasonal demand, which is traditionally observed at this time of year.
It is important to note that this ban does not apply to countries with which Russia has intergovernmental agreements for fuel supplies, including Mongolia. This indicates that Russia is attempting to uphold its international obligations despite facing internal challenges.
Russia has previously imposed restrictions on gasoline and diesel fuel exports in an effort to curb rising fuel prices and address shortages caused by drone attacks on Russian oil refineries. These attacks, which have become part of the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, have significantly impacted the stability of the Russian fuel market.
Industry sources indicate that in 2025, Russia exported approximately 5 million metric tons of gasoline, equating to around 117,000 barrels per day. However, given the current situation, the government is taking steps to prevent further increases in domestic fuel prices.
The escalation of the situation in the Russian fuel market has occurred against the backdrop of Ukrainian Armed Forces strikes on Russian oil refineries. Throughout 2025, Ukrainian defense forces conducted over 140 attacks on oil refineries and oil depots in Russia and in territories occupied by it, marking a 51.1% increase compared to 2024. This highlights how the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to adversely affect Russia's energy security.
On January 31, 2026, the Russian government lifted the export ban on gasoline for producers to avoid overloading facilities. However, the ban on the export of oil products for non-producers has been extended until the end of July. This measure was initially introduced in late July 2025 in response to gasoline shortages in dozens of Russian regions and record price increases on the exchanges.
In the night of March 14, 2026, a fire broke out at the Afipsky oil refinery in Krasnodar Krai due to a drone attack. This incident further demonstrates how military actions are impacting Russia's energy infrastructure. Ukrainian defense forces struck the Transneft oil terminal in the port of Primorsk in the Leningrad region and the Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim oil refinery in Bashkortostan, Russia, on March 22 and during the night of March 23, 2026.
Additionally, the Saratov oil refinery ceased operations following a drone attack on the night of March 21. On March 25, 2026, reports emerged indicating that Russia plans to reinstate the ban on gasoline exports. On March 28, 2026, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak instructed the Ministry of Energy to prepare a draft resolution for the export ban on gasoline starting April 1, 2026. Thus, the situation in the Russian fuel market remains tense, and the government continues to seek ways to stabilize the domestic market.