The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Alexander Novak, Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister, on Friday instructed the country’s energy ministry to draft a resolution banning gasoline exports starting April 1, the Russian government said.
The state-run TASS reported that the ban is expected to
remain in effect until July 31.
Novak cited turmoil in the global oil and oil products
market, driven by the Middle East crisis, as causing significant price
fluctuations, while noting that strong foreign demand for Russian energy
resources remains a positive factor.
The Russian government added that crude oil processing
volumes are at last year’s levels, ensuring a stable domestic supply of oil
products.
Several regions in Russia and parts of Ukraine under Russian
control reported gasoline shortages last year, following intensified attacks on
Russian oil refineries and a seasonal surge in fuel demand.
Russia has previously imposed restrictions on gasoline and
diesel exports to curb rising fuel prices and address domestic shortages.
Industry sources said the country exported nearly 5 million metric tons of
gasoline last year, or roughly 117,000 barrels per day
