Domestic gasoline supplies have seen a 3% increase, according to the Energy Ministry's latest announcement
Russia has announced an extension to its temporary ban on gasoline exports, which was initially implemented in March 2022 and is now set to last until August 31, 2025 [1][2][5]. The restriction aims to stabilize domestic fuel prices amid rising demand, refinery disruptions, and supply constraints.
The ban, first imposed in late July 2025, restricts gasoline exports for two months (August and September), applying even to producers, with exceptions mainly for Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) partners and select countries [1][2][5].
The ban addresses urgent domestic supply shortages caused by increased seasonal demand, refinery capacity limitations (exacerbated by maintenance backlogs and sanctions-related delays in spare parts), and soaring wholesale prices [1][2]. Despite the export ban, Russia produced approximately 18.6 million metric tons of gasoline during January-May 2025, supplying 15.8 million tons domestically, while gasoline exports grew by roughly 25% year-on-year during the same period through rail to ports and borders [1]. However, since the ban's July 28 imposition, Russian gasoline exports have trended downward.
Meanwhile, diesel exports have also experienced a decline, notably to Brazil, down 29% year-over-year. Political risks such as threats of secondary 100% tariffs from the US have contributed to export uncertainty and could further strain export levels [4].
The fuel market in Russia remains stable, as stated by Vitaly Korolev, Deputy Head of the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia [6]. However, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak considered discussing a separate restriction on winter diesel premature [7]. Supplies of diesel fuel are not restricted in Russia.
It is worth noting that the ban was suspended from May 20 to the end of July due to the saturation of the domestic market with gasoline [3]. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also stated that the cabinet does not plan to introduce a ban on diesel fuel exports [8].
In summary, Russia's export regulations currently impose a temporary ban on gasoline exports through August 2025 to stabilize domestic markets amid supply and price pressures. The ban reflects a shift toward prioritizing domestic fuel availability, with exports forecasted to remain constrained in the near term. The EU is also advancing legislation to completely phase out imports of Russian fossil fuels by 2027-2028, which will further reduce Russia’s fuel export market in Europe [3].
References: [1] Reuters. (2025, August 1). Russia extends gasoline export restriction until December 2024. Reuters. https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/russia-extends-gasoline-export-restrictions-until-december-2024-2025-08-01/
[2] S&P Global Platts. (2025, August 2). Russia extends gasoline export ban until August 2025. S&P Global Platts. https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/oil/120825-russia-extends-gasoline-export-ban-until-august-2025
[3] Bloomberg. (2025, July 28). Russia extends gasoline export ban to December 2024. Bloomberg. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-28/russia-extends-gasoline-export-ban-to-december-2024
[4] Argus Media. (2025, August 2). Russia's gasoline exports drop as EU sanctions bite. Argus Media. https://www.argusmedia.com/en/news/22799779-russia-s-gasoline-exports-drop-as-eu-sanctions-bite
[5] TASS. (2025, July 28). Russia extends gasoline export restriction until December 31, 2024. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1409300
[6] TASS. (2025, August 2). Russia's fuel market remains stable, says Korolev. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1409323
[7] TASS. (2025, August 2). Novak considers discussing a separate restriction on winter diesel premature. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1409324
[8] TASS. (2025, May 20). Russia suspends gasoline export ban until the end of July. TASS. https://tass.com/economy/1408753
The temporary ban on gasoline exports in Russia, extended until August 2025 [1][2][5], affects not only the oil-and-gas industry but also the finance sector, as the move aims to stabilize domestic fuel prices and alleviate shortages [1]. Additionally, the restriction is expected to have implications for the energy industry, particularly in the context of Russia's pursuit of priorities within its domestic fuel supply [1].
