The Russian government has announced a ban on gasoline exports effective April 1, following a directive from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak to the Ministry of Energy to draft the necessary governmental decree.
According to a statement from the government press service, this measure aims to stabilize domestic gasoline prices and ensure priority supply to the internal market.
Experts consulted by the publication “Kommersant” suggest that while the export ban may slow the rise in prices, it is unlikely to lead to significant reductions.
This new export prohibition comes less than two months after the previous ban was lifted on February 1, 2026. The earlier restrictions were initially imposed in September 2025.
The lifting of the embargo had indicated a recovery of Russian oil refineries following drone attacks from Ukraine, which had previously disrupted production at several facilities.
Currently, Russia faces export limitations after Ukrainian strikes targeted ports in the Leningrad region on March 25, as reported by industry sources to “Kommersant.” This situation could lead to a decrease in oil refining and extraction levels in the near future. According to Reuters, Russian oil companies have warned buyers of potential force majeure due to the attacks on Baltic ports.
Gasoline prices have been on the rise amid the ongoing conflict involving the U.S. and Israel against Iran, compounded by the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of the world’s oil supply.
The Russian government is set to impose a ban on gasoline exports starting April 1, 2026, in a bid to stabilize domestic prices. This decision follows recent attacks on key infrastructure and aims to prioritize local supply amidst rising global tensions affecting oil markets.