Ban Extended: Russia Will Not Export Gasoline and Diesel
31 July 16:05
The Russian government has extended the ban on gasoline exports until January 31, 2027, and on diesel exports until August 31, 2026. Reuters reports this, as cited by "Komersant Ukrainian".
“The reason is a fuel shortage in Russia’s domestic market resulting from airstrikes on oil refineries,” the publication notes.
Russia initially imposed a ban on diesel fuel exports from July 8 to July 31 as part of a broader package of measures to support the domestic fuel market.
Restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel exports were introduced by Russia even earlier.
“Despite the extension of the ban, a certain volume of fuel exports will still take place under previously concluded intergovernmental agreements and in the form of humanitarian aid,” Reuters reports.
The Russian government has also approved a temporary procedure, effective through November 1, to ensure that farmers currently in the harvest season have the necessary fuel supplies.
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Another government decree aims to ensure a stable supply of motor fuel for state and local institutions.
In 2023 and 2024, Russia had already imposed a ban on gasoline exports to meet domestic demand, prompted by drone attacks on oil refineries that led to a reduction in gasoline production. However, at that time, the restrictions lasted only a few months and did not apply to diesel fuel.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak had previously stated that the Russian government intends to extend the ban on fuel exports.
However, at that time, he stated that the export ban would be extended until the end of 2026, while the ban on diesel exports would be lifted once the “market recovers.”
On July 8, Russia imposed a ban on diesel fuel exports and began importing petroleum products in July. This ban was supposed to remain in effect until July 31.
Alexander Novak also said that the fuel situation in Russia is “stabilizing—a number of oil refineries have resumed operations, and the situation at gas stations has improved significantly.”
In June 2026, due to an acute fuel crisis, Russia imposed strict limits on fuel sales in at least 60 regions. This was all due to Ukraine’s attacks on Russian oil refineries.
According to the FT article, Ukraine’s long-range strikes have disabled 45% of Russia’s nominal oil refining capacity, triggering the worst fuel crisis in the oil-rich nation since the collapse of the Soviet Union.
An analysis conducted by the British publication based on refinery location maps, photographs, satellite imagery, and thermal infrared radiation data, shows that damage at several large Russian oil refineries is being repaired extremely slowly and persists for weeks or even months after Ukrainian attacks.
It is noted that Ukraine’s “long-range sanctions” have knocked out more than 30% of Russia’s actual oil refining capacity and 45% of its nominal capacity, causing the worst fuel crisis in the Russian Federation in its modern history.
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