(MOSCOW, RUSSIA) – Russia will extend its ban on petrol exports until the end of the year as the country grapples with a fuel crisis triggered by damage to several refineries from drone strikes, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak said.
The decision, taken at a meeting of the relevant government headquarters, will apply to both fuel producers and companies that do not produce fuel. Novak confirmed that the ban on petrol exports has been extended for both categories of exporters through to the end of 2026.
The government is adopting a different approach for diesel fuel. Novak said the export ban on diesel will be lifted as the market recovers, so that refineries do not face difficulties with excess supply and reduced processing volumes.
The restrictions on oil product exports have been introduced in stages. A ban on aviation fuel exports took effect from 1 April, followed by petrol from 1 June. The government extended the restrictions to diesel exports from 8 July.
Novak had previously described the situation on the fuel market as difficult. He cited damage to several refineries resulting from drone attacks as the cause of the temporary reduction in petrol production.
The diesel export ban was initially set to run until 31 July 2026. The extension of the petrol ban through year end signals that authorities expect refinery repair timelines to stretch over several months.
Russia’s domestic fuel market has come under strain as processing capacity has been reduced. Sales of new cars have collapsed amid the fuel crisis, according to recent reports. The restrictions aim to prioritise supply to the domestic market and prevent sharp price increases at the pump.
Ukraine’s Defence Forces struck an oil refinery in Tyumen a day earlier, adding to the cumulative damage to Russian refining infrastructure. The attack forms part of a broader campaign targeting energy facilities that support the Russian military effort.
The value of Russian refined product exports subject to the bans typically ran to several billion dollars per month before almost zero exports of petrol in June and July 2026.