Several Russian oil refineries resume operations, increase of fuel supplies to domestic market expected - Novak

MOSCOW. Aug 24 (Interfax) - A number of oil refineries in Russia have resumed operations following repairs, and it could facilitate an increase of amounts of supplies of fuel to the domestic market, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters.

"The current situation is constantly changing. Several refineries are already back in operation, therefore, we're expecting an increase in amounts of supplier taking into account logistics. The situation is changing every day. We're constantly monitoring it and are making decisions at our headquarters. We're gathering the federal headquarters with the regions and all of our companies twice a week. It is essentially the manual control of the process," Novak said.

A seasonal surge in fuel consumption coincided with a series of unscheduled maintenance work at refineries in Russia in the summer of 2026, with restrictions on sales volumes at filling stations consequently being implemented in various regions.

The government and oil companies have been taking measures to stabilize the situation, with operating refineries being fully utilized, timeframes of routine maintenance having been shortened, scheduled maintenance having been postponed, and previously accumulated fuel reserves being released to the market. Russia began importing petroleum products in July. Furthermore, the complete ban on gasoline exports has been extended until January 31, 2027. The ban on diesel exports for diesel producers has been extended until September 1 and for non-diesel fuel producers until January 31, 2027. The ban on exports of aviation kerosene also remains in effect until November 30.