The Russian government has extended the temporary ban on the export of motor gasoline, diesel fuel and other petroleum products in order to stabilize the domestic fuel market, the cabinet press service reported, quoted by TASS, BTA reported.
A new government decree extends the temporary ban on the export of motor gasoline outside the country until February 28, 2026 inclusive. The restriction will apply to all economic operators, including direct producers, the announcement states.
The same decree also extends the ban on the export of marine fuel, vacuum gas oil and other types of gas oils, including quantities purchased at stock auctions, until February 28, 2026 inclusive. For these products, the restriction will not apply to direct producers of petroleum products.
The measures come into effect on December 28. The government says the decision is part of efforts to maintain a stable situation on the domestic fuel market.
Russia's military budget faces a double challenge stemming from reduced oil supplies and a continued decline in international prices, Bloomberg reported. This has led to the lowest levels of crude oil exports since January 2023.
The average volume of exported crude oil, calculated on a four-week basis, fell in the period to December 14, recording the most significant weekly decrease since 2022 - the year the war in Ukraine began. An additional difficulty is unloading already loaded cargoes - the volume of crude oil at sea has risen by about 40 percent since late August.
Moscow's decline in revenue comes amid increased diplomatic pressure from the United States on Ukraine and its European allies to reach a peace deal, while Russia continues to strike its neighbor's gas and energy infrastructure.
For its part, Kiev has continued its attacks on Russian energy assets, expanding its reach to production platforms in the Caspian Sea and increasingly striking tankers carrying Russian oil.