Russia will impose a complete ban on gasoline exports starting August 1 for at least two months as domestic fuel prices approach historic highs, three industry sources familiar with government plans told Reuters Thursday.
The export ban, which would include major oil producers for the first time this year, is designed to stabilize Russia’s domestic fuel market where wholesale gasoline prices have risen for eight consecutive trading sessions.
“It’s all been decided (with the ban). For now, it’s for August and September,” one source said on condition of anonymity. Another source indicated the order could be signed before the end of the month.
On Thursday, wholesale prices for AI-95 gasoline on the St. Petersburg International Mercantile Exchange reached 76,330 rubles ($960) per ton — just 0.7% below the all-time record set in September 2023. AI-92 gasoline fell to 66,300 rubles ($834) per ton after reaching 66,600 rubles the previous day.
Representatives for Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has not issued an official statement about the upcoming restrictions. Novak said earlier this month that authorities were considering a gasoline export ban, but any decision would depend on market trends.
The ban is an escalation from current restrictions that apply only to gasoline resellers and smaller producers. Major oil companies have continued exporting fuel abroad under existing rules.
The country has implemented several temporary gasoline export restrictions since 2023 to combat domestic fuel shortages and price spikes. The country imposed a six-month export ban starting in March 2024, which was partially lifted before being reinstated in August.
Yevgeny Arkusha, head of the Russian Fuel Union, attributed the current price surge to supply shortages — particularly of premium AI-95 gasoline — and cross-purchasing among oil companies.
The planned restrictions will not affect supplies to the Moscow-led Eurasian Economic Union, comprising Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Russia produces more than 40 million metric tons of gasoline annually and significantly increased exports during the first five months of 2025, with volumes rising approximately 25% year-on-year to about 2.51 million tons. Its primary importers include Egypt and Turkey.
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