What the government decided
The Russian government has renewed the temporary ban on exporting gasoline, extending it through December 31, 2025. The measures apply to all exporters and come into effect one day after official publication. In addition to gasoline, the ban covers the export of diesel fuel, marine fuels, and other gas oils, with a key exception: direct supplies by the country’s fuel producers are not subject to the restriction.
According to the government, these steps are intended to stabilize the domestic fuel market and ensure sufficient fuel volumes within Russia.
Scope, exceptions, and practical impact
Under the new rules, all exporters are barred from sending gasoline abroad, while the ban on diesel, ship’s fuel, and other gas oils also remains in force. The exemption for direct supplies means that products sold directly from producers for domestic transmission or wholesale to end-users can bypass the ban.
The government’s stance is that the restrictions will help balance supply and demand in the domestic market and prevent upward pressure on prices, particularly ahead of autumn and winter demand peaks.
Why now: the domestic market situation
Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak, who oversees energy policy, outlined the plan on September 25, noting a small deficit in the domestic fuel market at the retail level. He stressed that such imbalances are not unusual for September and October and are seen as part of normal seasonal fluctuations.
Novak also indicated that the measures are designed to prevent the deficit from widening and to keep sufficient fuel for residents and businesses across the country.
Background: prior extensions and related actions
Previously, the government extended the full ban on exporting automotive gasoline in August, pushing the deadline to the end of September. In October, restrictions were planned for non-producers as well, reinforcing the tighter controls on outbound supplies during the energy market adjustment period.
Market monitoring and enforcement
On September 30, the Federal Antimonopoly Service (FAS) announced plans to inspect fuel networks due to rising hydrocarbon prices. After reviewing the findings, FAS will determine whether there have been violations of antimonopoly legislation. This signals a broader effort to ensure fair competition and curb anti-competitive practices in the fuel sector as the export restrictions take effect.
Implications for exporters and consumers
For exporters, the ongoing ban means rerouting supply, potentially focusing more on domestic demand and longer-term contracts with state-controlled distributors. Producers delivering direct domestic supplies remain exempt from the export ban, which helps maintain continuity of critical fuel flows to Russian markets. Consumers may benefit from more stable domestic fuel availability, though short-term price dynamics will continue to reflect broader market adjustments and seasonal demand.
Outlook
With the export restrictors in place through the end of 2025, observers will watch how domestic demand, refinery output, and logistics adapt to the policy. The government has framed the moves as a necessary measure to stabilize the internal fuel market, while authorities monitor price trends and compliance through ongoing enforcement actions, including FAS checks on retail networks.
