Gasoline export from Russia to be banned in Aug, extending this into Sept-Oct being considered - Novak

MOSCOW. July 23 (Interfax) - The Russian government will reinstate the ban on gasoline exports in August, while Energy Ministry has proposed extending the ban into September-October, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

The ban on gasoline exports was imposed from March 1 to the end of August, but an exception to it is in effect from May 20 to July 31.

"That exception comes to an end on August 1. The automatic ban on petroleum product exports, this applies only to gasoline, it is being reinstated. That is, the ban will be reinstated on August 1," Novak said.

He confirmed that extending the ban into September-October was being considered.

"Such proposals have now been received from the Energy Ministry and the government. We are looking at them. We go by supply and demand, on keeping the domestic market supplied, first and foremost, and we are analyzing this. If we actually see that a continuation of the ban on gasoline exports into September-October is needed, then this decision will be reached," Novak said.