Russia lifts gasoline export ban for producers, extends it to end of Jan for others
MOSCOW. Dec 2 (Interfax) - The Russian government is lifting the ban on gasoline exports for oil product producers, but extending it for another month for other suppliers.
"The temporary ban on gasoline exports imposed to the end of 2024 has been extended until January 31, 2025. The restriction will not apply to shipments made by the actual producers of oil products. The relevant resolution of the Russian government has been signed," the Cabinet's press service reported.
This decision was made to maintain stability on the domestic fuel market, support the economics of oil refining and prevent grey exports of gasoline, the release said.
Russia banned exports of all types of gasoline as of September 1, 2024, with the exception of exports to Eurasian Economic Union countries under intergovernmental agreement and only for producers who refined over 1 million tonnes of crude in 2022. The ban was set to expire on December 31, but in early November Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said there was a proposal to lift it early. "I've ordered the Energy Ministry to explore this issue and make the necessary recommendation," Novak said, adding that this only referred to Ai-92 gasoline.
Energy Minister Sergei Tsivilev said later that his ministry had submitted a proposal to the government to lift the ban on gasoline exports. Sources told Interfax that it recommended lifting the ban only for producers, but for all types of gasoline. It also recommended extending the ban for the whole winter for all exporters who are not producers.
However, associations representing fuel retailers, traders and brokers, including the Russian Fuel Union, Association of Commodity Market Participants and Association of Commodity Brokers, asked Novak to put off making a decision on lifting the export ban until the domestic market is fully saturated and exchange sales of fuel are increased to an amount that would bring exchange price indicators in line with inflation.