Russia's Energy Ministry says fundamental decision reached to limit gasoline exports in Sept-Oct, no ban required on diesel exports

MOSCOW. July 31 (Interfax) - A fundamental decision has been reached to limit exports of gasoline from Russia in September-October, First Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin said during an extended meeting of the State Duma's energy committee.

"I would like to emphasize that [AI] 95 gasoline is almost not exported, there is virtually zero export. The main types that are exported are either substandard gasoline or [AI] 92 in limited quantities," Sorokin said.

He said the export ban would not be lifted in the last month of summer to avoid the risk of fuel shortages during refinery repairs, usually carried out in May, August and September. "So there'll be a ban on gasoline exports in August. And a fundamental decision has also been reached for September-October that exports will be limited, to be on the safe side. This applies to gasoline," Sorokin said.

Sorokin also said that a ban on exporting diesel fuel was not required. "However, work will continue to limit the potential for non-producers to export diesel even to the territory of the Customs Union and the Eurasian Economic Union," he said.

"Because this is still hidden, 'gray' export, albeit much less than we saw last year, but nevertheless. We also plan to limit the impact of this," he said.