According to industry sources at Kommersant, the Russian government is refraining from lifting its ban on gasoline exports, largely due to ongoing scheduled and unscheduled maintenance at oil refineries through November.
A source explained that gasoline production is currently at minimal levels due to reduced refinery activity. Despite a decline in domestic demand, the market has not yet reached full supply levels required to reopen exports. Under current conditions, lifting the ban could drive fuel prices higher—an outcome the Russian authorities aim to prevent.
The export ban, initially set in March, has now been extended until the end of 2024. The Ministry of Energy had originally proposed ending the embargo in September-October, allowing refineries to export fuel in November-December. However, maintenance work at the plants has lasted longer than anticipated.
The government’s press office and the office of Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak declined to comment on the matter when reached by Kommersant.
