The ban will be in effect from 1st of March to 31st of August 2024 inclusive. This decision was taken in order to ensure the country's energy security
(Resolution of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 243 dated 29th of February 2024 " On Introduction of a Temporary Ban on Export of Commercial Gasoline from the Russian Federation ").
The ban concerns the export of commercial gasoline, including gasoline purchased at exchange trades. Exceptions are provided for gasoline exported from Russia:
by decision of the Cabinet of Ministers for international humanitarian aid to foreign countries;
within the framework of international intergovernmental agreements and international transit transportation;
to support the activities of Russian military formations located on the territories of foreign countries;
in order to support the activities of Russian organizations located in the city of Baikonur and on the territory of the Baikonur complex;
to support the activities of Russian organizations on the Svalbard archipelago;
to ensure the functioning (operation, use) of water vessels, artificial islands, structures, installations and other objects over which Russia has an exclusive jurisdiction.
Restrictions also do not apply to gasoline transported as supplies and stored in process tanks of water, air, rail or road vehicles for the purpose of in-transit operation. The same applies to goods placed before 1st of March under customs procedures allowing their export from the territory of the EAEU, accepted by Russian Railways for transportation or shipping, or for which an order for shipment to a sea vessel has been issued in advance.
Additional decisions have also been taken in relation to diesel. The ban on the export of diesel fuel from Russia has been extended to 21st of March 2024 inclusive. And the minimum volume of its sales at exchange trades has been increased from 12.5% to 16%. It is expected that this will increase the guaranteed volume of fuel supply at exchange trading and increase the share of transactions concluded on competitive terms.
In general, the adopted amendments are aimed at maintaining a stable situation in the fuel market during the period of increased demand associated with spring field work, vacation season and scheduled repairs of oil refineries.