Russia to introduce ban on gasoline exports from April 1

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak ​on Friday (March 27, 2026) instructed the Energy Ministry ‌to draft a resolution banning ​gasoline exports from April 1, ⁠the Russian government said.

The state-run TASS news agency earlier reported that the ‌ban would remain in place until July 31.

Mr. Novak said ‌that turmoil in the ‌global ⁠oil and oil products market, caused ⁠by the crisis in West Asia, is leading to significant price fluctuations. ​At the same ‌time, the high demand for Russian energy resources in foreign markets remains a positive factor, he added.

Crude ‌oil processing volumes remain ​at last year’s level, ensuring a stable supply of oil ⁠products, the government said in a statement.

Several regions in Russia and ‌parts of Ukraine under Russian control were reporting gasoline shortages last year after Ukraine stepped up attacks on Russian oil refineries and amid a seasonal surge in ‌fuel demand.

Russia has repeatedly imposed curbs ​on gasoline and diesel exports to rein in rising fuel ⁠prices and tackle shortages.

According to industry ⁠sources, the country exported nearly 5 million metric tons of ‌gasoline last year, or about 117,000 barrels per day.