Russia Extends Diesel And Gasoline Export Bans Until January 2027 To Stabilise Domestic Market

Russia has extended restrictions on the export of diesel and gasoline until 31 January 2027, the government announced on Thursday.

The move is aimed at keeping domestic fuel supplies stable following a period of disruption caused by repeated Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil refineries, which had triggered fuel shortages and price increases within the country.

What Has Been Banned

The government said it is temporarily banning the export of gasoline, diesel, marine fuel and gas oils. Russia had initially introduced the diesel export ban from 8 July to 31 July as part of a broader set of measures to support the domestic fuel market. Restrictions on gasoline and jet fuel exports had already been in place separately. The latest announcement brings all these categories under an extended framework running to the end of January 2027.

A Partial Exemption From September

The blanket restriction will not run in full through the entire period. From 1 September 2026, producers will be exempt from the export restrictions specifically on diesel, marine fuel and gas oils. The exemption does not appear to cover gasoline. Certain fuel exports will continue regardless of the restrictions, including those carried out under intergovernmental agreements and in the form of humanitarian aid.

Protecting Farmers And State Institutions

Two additional measures have been introduced alongside the extended export bans. A temporary procedure has been put in place until 1 November to ensure that farmers, who are currently in the harvest season, receive the fuel volumes they require without disruption. A separate resolution is aimed at guaranteeing a stable supply of motor fuel to state and local government institutions.

The measures reflect the Russian government's priority of managing domestic fuel availability at a time when refinery capacity has been disrupted and seasonal agricultural demand is at its peak. The extension of export bans on diesel and gasoline through to January 2027 signals that the government does not expect domestic supply conditions to normalise quickly enough to lift the restrictions before then.

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