Russia to Pause Gasoline Exports April–July 2026 to Stabilise Domestic Prices

Russia is set to pause gasoline exports for four months from April 1, 2026. The step is aimed at keeping domestic fuel supplies steady and limiting retail price jumps. Deputy PM Alexander Novak instructed the Energy Ministry to prepare a formal resolution. Authorities linked the move to ongoing instability in global energy markets.

Official communication cited by TASS said the restriction should run until July 31, 2026. The government wants enough fuel inside Russia during the period. It also wants to reduce local exposure to external shocks. Officials see export limits as a direct tool to manage supply and pricing risks.

The planned window is shown below, along with a key export estimate. These dates frame the government’s supply plan for the domestic market. The figures also help explain why officials are focusing on near-term availability. The measure comes as Russia balances export demand with local consumption.

Item	Detail
Export halt starts	April 1, 2026
Export halt ends	July 31, 2026
2025 gasoline exports (industry estimate)	5 million metric tons (~117,000 barrels per day)

Novak pointed to large price moves in oil and refined products during the West Asia crisis. Officials said this global uncertainty raised risks for domestic pricing. At the same time, demand abroad for Russian energy stayed strong. That combination can tighten local supply when exports remain open.

Authorities also said crude oil processing stayed near last year’s levels. Refinery output was described as largely stable despite market turbulence. Officials expect this operational steadiness to support domestic petroleum product supply. Even so, the export pause is intended to add an extra buffer for the home market.

Russia gasoline exports curbs, refinery attacks, and domestic fuel prices

Fuel supply worries grew from last year’s reports of gasoline shortages in several Russian regions. Shortages were also reported in parts of Ukraine under Russian control. Officials linked disruptions to increased attacks on Russian oil refineries. These issues coincided with seasonal demand growth and strained distribution networks.

The government has already used export restrictions on gasoline and diesel to address similar risks. The upcoming ban continues that approach, with a focus on preventing shortages. Officials also want to avoid sharp domestic price swings while export channels are limited. The policy reflects repeated interventions during periods of supply concern.

With the draft resolution in progress, the export pause is expected to cover April through July 2026. Officials are positioning the measure as a supply and price stabiliser during global uncertainty. Stable crude processing may support availability, yet authorities appear focused on added protection for domestic fuel markets.

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