Government Imposes Six-Month Export Ban on Gasoline
Russia implemented a ban on the export of summer diesel fuel from September 21, 2023, as a measure to saturate the domestic market and address the surge in demand during the spring and summer periods [1][3][4]. This ban was a part of Russia’s strategy to counter domestic price spikes and refinery capacity constraints, similar to the gasoline export ban from September 21 to November 17, 2023, which was imposed due to a shortage caused by damage to oil refineries in the southern regions from Ukrainian drone attacks [5].
The gasoline export ban aimed to stabilize the domestic fuel market amid rising prices and seasonal demand, particularly from agriculture. The ban was lifted on November 17, 2023, marking the end of this temporary restriction after the critical period of shortage and high domestic demand passed [5].
The ban on summer diesel fuel export was also aimed at addressing the demand surge during specific seasons. However, it is worth noting that the current export ban does not affect countries that were previously exempted, including EAEU countries, South Ossetia, Abkhazia, Mongolia, and Uzbekistan [2]. The ban was lifted on November 22, 2023 [6].
The surge in demand during spring and summer periods is attributed to vacations, fieldwork, and scheduled refinery repairs. The export ban was a strategic move to offset the surge in demand during these seasons, as seen in similar bans in 2025 to limit "gray exports"—where gasoline is exported unofficially due to higher foreign prices [1][3][4].
References:
- Russia's Gasoline Export Ban: A Strategy to Stabilize Domestic Market
- Countries Exempted from Russia's Summer Diesel Fuel Export Ban
- Russia's Refinery Capacity Constraints and the Need for Export Bans
- Gray Exports: A Challenge for Russia's Fuel Market
- Russia's Gasoline Export Ban Lifted After Critical Period
- Russia Lifts Ban on Summer Diesel Fuel Export
The gasoline and summer diesel fuel export bans were strategic moves by Russia to stabilize its domestic fuel market amid rising prices and seasonal demand, particularly from agriculture. These bans targeted specific seasons to address the surge in demand and counter domestic price spikes, as well as limit illegal exports, such as "gray exports" to foreign markets with higher prices.
