Russia completely bans gasoline exports: for now until the end of August

The government of the Russian Federation has decided to completely ban gasoline exports by the end of August 2025, Russian news agency Interfax reports.

Previously, export restrictions applied only to non-gasoline producers, but now they have been extended to include petroleum product producers.

"The decision was made to maintain a stable situation in the domestic fuel market during the period of high seasonal demand and agricultural field work," the government said in a statement.

The ban will come into force on July 29, the day after the resolution is published.

Earlier, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who oversees the energy sector, said that the Cabinet of Ministers was discussing a total ban for a month or two. This means that the total ban may be extended to September.

The halt in gasoline exports should "cool down the fuel market," where prices are approaching record highs, Russian Kommersant reported.

At the end of last week, wholesale prices for A-95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg Stock Exchange reached a historic high, continued to grow for the eighth consecutive session.

• In May Russia is on the verge of a fuel crisis due to sanctions, Ukrainian attacks, and falling global oil prices.
• US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said that imposing sanctions on Russian oil is the most effective way to end the war in Ukraine.