Russia Extends Gasoline Export Ban to End of 2026 Amid Fuel Market Pressures

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced that Russia will extend its ban on gasoline exports until the end of 2026, applying the restriction to both producers and non-producers. Speaking at the XXII Forum of Interregional Cooperation between Russia and Kazakhstan in Omsk, Novak noted that while the domestic fuel market is gradually stabilizing, challenges remain, particularly in Siberia. The extension follows recent Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries, which have disrupted domestic supplies. Meanwhile, a separate ban on diesel exports, implemented earlier in July 2026, is expected to be lifted as the market recovers to prevent refinery oversupply and reduced processing volumes.

// Background

In April 2026, Russia implemented a gasoline export ban for domestic producers through July 31. However, intensified Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent weeks disrupted domestic fuel supplies, prompting Moscow to enact a full ban on diesel exports earlier in July 2026 and subsequently extend the gasoline export ban through the end of 2026 to stabilize the domestic market.

// Key Developments

• Russia is extending its gasoline export ban to the end of 2026, covering both producers and non-producers.
• The announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak at an interregional cooperation forum in Omsk.
• A separate ban on diesel exports, enacted earlier in July 2026, will be lifted once the market recovers to avoid refinery oversupply.
• The fuel restrictions follow intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries in recent weeks.
• Kazakhstan may supply excess petroleum products to Russia if necessary to stabilize the market.