Moscow renews fuel export curbs to July 2026 after market volatility

The Russian government has introduced a new temporary ban on the export of gasoline, diesel fuel and other types of fuel through July 31, 2026. However, as Russian media reported, the restriction will no longer apply to direct producers of petroleum products, according to a statement published on the government’s website.

The export ban is intended to maintain stability in the domestic fuel market. At the same time, exempting fuel producers is meant to prevent the risk of excessive stockpiling at oil companies’ production facilities, the government said.

The decree takes effect on the day of its official publication.

At the end of 2025, the ban on gasoline exports for all exporters — both producers and non-producers — was extended through March. The government also prolonged the embargo on diesel fuel exports for non-producers, including traders, oil depots and companies with production capacity of less than 1 million tonnes of fuel per year.

The measures were first introduced in late July 2025 amid reports of gasoline shortages in several Russian regions and record-high prices for the fuel on the commodities exchange. Initially, the restrictions applied only to traders, oil depots and small refineries — the so-called non-producer group.

In late August, the government extended the measures through September 30, 2025, and later successively through the end of the year and until February 28, 2026. In the autumn, a ban was also imposed on exports of diesel fuel, marine fuel and other gasoils, including those purchased in exchange trading.

Against the backdrop of strong seasonal demand, unscheduled maintenance shifts, and shutdowns of refining capacity caused by Ukrainian drone attacks, wholesale gasoline prices reached record levels in the summer and early autumn. Prices were highest in September and began rising again in January.

By Tamilla Hasanova