Russia extends permission for only producers to export gasoline by six months

MOSCOW. Feb 21 (Interfax) - Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, following a meeting on the fuel market situation, supported a decision to ban exports of gasoline by companies that do not produce it for the period from March 1 to August 31, 2025 in order to balance the market during the period of stronger demand.

Oil refineries and the oil companies that own them will be permitted to export the fuel, the government press service said.

The government is thus extending the permission for producers to export gasoline and the ban on exports by others that are in effect now.

"The progress of the preparation of the draft government act providing for measures to prevent grey exports of oil products, including through the territory of the Eurasian Economic Union, was considered at headquarters," the press release said.

The Federal Antimonopoly Service had earlier raised the question of completely banning gasoline exports for all.

"According to the information of the Federal Antimonopoly Service, the domestic market is fully supplied with fuel," the press release issued after the meeting said.

Interfax sources said officials discussed imposing an export ban for producers as well if the situation with fuel supplies to the domestic market starts to worsen.

Novak ordered the Energy Ministry and Agriculture Ministry to agree on the conditions and volume of fuel supplies to agricultural companies by March 1, taking into account actual needs. The Federal Antimonopoly Service has been instructed to monitor fuel prices for farmers in Russia's regions.