Overview
- Russia will stop gasoline exports for four months starting April 1 to keep fuel at home and steady prices, following an order by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak.
- Energy officials say refinery runs match March 2025 levels and that gasoline and diesel reserves are sufficient to meet domestic demand.
- Global fuel markets face fresh strain from the war in the Middle East and disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which has pushed up oil prices.
- Ukrainian drone strikes and other attacks have curbed Russia’s ability to ship fuels, with reporting that roughly 40% of oil export capacity is offline and recent hits on the Saratov and Kirishi refineries.
- Traders expect tighter supplies and higher prices, though Russia’s gasoline exports are relatively small at about 100,000–117,000 barrels a day, and India sees little direct impact as it mainly imports crude and refines it at home; talk of an Indian exemption has no official confirmation.