Russian Dep PM Novak discusses fuel reserves, logistics with govt officials, oil cos at latest meeting
MOSCOW. Aug 27 (Interfax) - Reserves of key petroleum products gasoline, diesel and jet fuel and the state of logistics chains for their delivery were topics for discussion at the latest meeting on the domestic fuel market, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, the government said in a statement.
"Novak asked the relevant government agencies and oil companies to continue coordinating efforts to keep fuel supply to the regions steady, monitor fuel reserves and ensure the smooth operation of logistics infrastructure," it said.
The oil companies reported on fuel supplies to the domestic market, including for northern deliveries and seasonal agricultural work.
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 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.
The government has amended the trading of petroleum products on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange (SPIMEX) and permitted production of additional volumes of lower-grade Euro 2, 3 and 4 fuel.
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 fuel also remains in effect until November 30.
Novak said at the end of July that the fuel market had stabilized to some extent after several refineries completed maintenance, but the situation remained challenging in some regions. In August, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, the market entered a "second stage of tension." Authorities hope that the situation will improve once refineries resume operations after maintenance.
